HERE WE GO: Arsenal first January transfer signing is currently in London ahead of official announcement scheduled to hold this week
Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost after reports that Brighton are ready to let Evan Ferguson leave permanently in the January transfer window.
Ferguson has been linked with a move to the Emirates this month, with boss Mikel Arteta in need of more depth up front after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injuries.
Arsenal have lacked a recognised No 9 to boost their title hopes after putting most of the goalscoring burden on Kai Havertz – and Ferguson would give them a solid option in attack.
Signing Ferguson permanently would save a headache for Arteta, who already has two loanees in Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto. Premier League clubs are only allowed a maximum of two domestic loan players in their squad.
The 20-year-old has interest from a number of teams this month, with West Ham thought to be leading the race. Bournemouth, Everton and Marseille are also claimed to be monitoring his situation amid a lack of minutes at the Amex, according to the Athletic.
The report claims the Seagulls were initially open to a loan deal but are now willing to sanction a permanent exit for the right price. It adds that one bid had already been rejected.
Ferguson has seen his progress as a player disrupted by injuries in the last year, going almost 12 months without scoring a goal after an ankle injury that kept him out for six months. He hasn’t played for Brighton since before Christmas, with boss Fabian Hurzeler handing him only two starts in the Premier League this season.
Earlier this month, Hurzeler confirmed he would be happy to loan Ferguson to another Premier League club, but only if it was beneficial to both the club and the player.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” said Hurzeler.
“This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent (Facundo) Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.”
Arsenal have also been linked with moves to Newcastle forward Alexander Isak this month, as well as Red Bull Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko – though that deal may have to wait until the summer.
