Arsenal have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Evan Ferguson.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United and Chelsea in the pursuit of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, with the race set to pick up heat ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.
The teenage forward has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents since breaking into Brighton’s first team picture and looks set to enjoy a stellar career at the very highest level. So far this season, the 19-year-old has scored five Premier League goals in 11 outings, including a hat-trick against Newcastle United.
At the age of 19, he has already displayed everything you could ever wish for in a centre-forward. He’s fast, powerful, good on the ball, and has a natural eye for goal. Not only that, but he’s also excellent at keeping the ball and creating openings for his teammates to run into and exploit.
Since impressing for the south coast club, Ferguson’s name has been linked to a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but Arsenal are now also in the running for the Irish striker.
Ferguson signed an improved five-year deal at the Amex Stadium earlier this month that doesn’t expire until 2029. Clubs often insert eye-watering release clauses into their best young players’ contracts, but the Seagulls opted against doing so in the case of Ferguson, leaving suitors in the dark regarding his true valuation.
This allows Brighton to demand as much as they want for Ferguson, whose five league goals this season have only seen his stock rise. It could take above £100 million for any interested club to sign Ferguson, though, with TEAMtalk recently reporting that “it would take more than the £115 million Chelsea paid Brighton for Moises Caicedo in the summer to sign” the young Irishman.
Owing to his high asking price, suitors may have to wait until next summer for Ferguson. Like many clubs, the Gunners’ have been scouting the forward for the last year.
Arsenal need a forward who can link up while also offering better finishing and a physical presence. Standing at 6ft 1in, Ferguson’s physical profile makes him capable of holding the ball up and offering an aerial threat.
The Seagulls would want a hefty fee, but the Gunners have shown a willingness to spend big for the right profile. This was evident during the summer with their pursuit of Declan Rice.
Manchester United could also launch a move for the Brighton wonderkid after watching him closely for around three years. The Red Devils are finding goals harder to come by this term, with Marcus Rashford going cold in front of goal.
Manager Erik ten Hag made it one of his top priorities to bring in a centre-forward to relieve some of the goalscoring burden on Rashford. Rasmus Hojlund has arrived from Atalanta for £72 million in the summer window, but they could definitely benefit from another talent in that department.
Like United, Chelsea’s eagerness to bring in a striker has not been hidden, with reports that they are looking for one in the elite category. Reports have linked them closest to the signing of Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, but Ferguson could be considered more of a long-term investment than the aforementioned names.
