Arsenal are reportedly considering making a late loan bid for one of West Ham’s primary transfer targets, according to recent reports.
The Gunners have yet to secure any signings in the January transfer window but remain poised to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad before the February 3 deadline, should the right opportunity arise.
Arsenal have been linked with several forwards as they look to address inconsistencies in front of goal, compounded by the serious injury to Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus earlier this month.
Jesus’ absence has dealt another blow to a team that has occasionally struggled in the final third this season, with critics labeling their attack as lacking cutting edge at times.
Kai Havertz leads Arsenal’s scoring charts this season with eight league goals, yet the German has faced criticism for his overall output over the past 18 months.
Arsenal have been linked with high-profile names like Dusan Vlahovic, Benjamin Sesko, and Victor Osimhen this January, but the club is reportedly focusing on domestic options for attacking reinforcements.
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has emerged as a target for Arsenal, with the Gunners reportedly considering a loan approach to the south coast club before the transfer deadline, according to talkSPORT.
Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards, Evan Ferguson’s form has dipped this season, with the striker managing just one goal in 12 league appearances.
The 20-year-old has found himself with a reduced role under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, and Brighton are reportedly open to loaning him out to aid his development.
Arsenal are not the only club keen on signing Ferguson, as new West Ham manager Graham Potter is also interested in reuniting with the forward, having previously worked with him at Brighton.
West Ham’s struggles in attack have been widely noted, and Potter has reportedly made Ferguson his top striker target as he aims to strengthen the Hammers’ forward line and drive the team forward.
Everton and Bournemouth have also expressed interest in Ferguson, whose value has significantly dropped from over £70m this time last year.
Arsenal are seeking attacking reinforcements as they aim to close the gap on runaway leaders Liverpool and secure their first Premier League title since 2004.
The Gunners bounced back from a controversial red card to secure a 1-0 victory over Wolves at the weekend, but with Liverpool’s dominant 4-1 win over Ipswich Town, the gap at the top of the table remains six points.
In discussing Arsenal’s transfer strategy last week, Mikel Arteta revealed that he has been consulting with his players regarding potential targets, ensuring their input as part of the club’s decision-making process.
‘We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks, and they recognise the situation, we all do,” he said.
“That’s why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team; that’s our intention.”
“I always do it, especially if they know them, because that’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying, and it is real.”
In addition to nearly 100 Premier League appearances, Ferguson has earned 18 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring four goals on the international stage.
