According to The Pitch Prospect, Arsenal want to start their transfer business in January with a possible raid on Brighton.
Striker Evan Ferguson is the Gunners’ focus despite only scoring once in the Premier League this season.
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The Pitch Prospect correspondent Ben Jacobs has provided clarity on Ferguson’s future, with the player only starting two top-flight games.
It is understood the Seagulls are still deciding whether to listen to offers for the 20-year-old in January, with Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham among those interested.
Arsenal are unlikely to spend big on a No.9 but are open to the possibility of a new signing in January in the right circumstances in addition to summer reinforcements.
The north London giants are also eyeing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak for their summer business.
Although a half-season loan deal is very attractive to several Premier League clubs, Brighton are currently inclined to insist on a commitment clause if they decide to let Ferguson leave.
For now, Brighton are reportedly focusing on getting Ferguson back to full fitness.
The striker recovered from an ankle injury at the start of the season and has had limited minutes since then.
Ferguson has scored just one goal in his 12 Premier League games – his only goal coming in a 2-2 draw with Wolves on October 26.
Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro were the preferred options in the Seagulls’ attack alongside summer signing Georginio Rutter.
A move for Ferguson would give him the chance to rediscover the form that had him touted as a possible future member of the Premier League 100 club.
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Ferguson moved to Brighton in 2021 from Irish club Bohemians, where he was promoted through the youth ranks.
He made his senior Brighton debut in August 2021, aged 16, when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Cardiff.
The striker’s most successful season for the Seagulls to date was 2022/23, when he scored ten goals in 27 games in all competitions.
Ferguson scored a further six goals last season but was forced to miss the last two months with an ankle injury.
Brighton’s Premier League rivals Chelsea showed interest in signing the young Irishman early last year.
The Pitch Prospect reported at the time that he was on the list of summer striker targets following his strong start to the 2023/24 season.
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However, Brighton believed he was worth more than the £115million Chelsea spent on his former team-mate Moises Caicedo.
Ferguson is a physical specimen and embodies the qualities Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta looks for – young, strong and fast.
However, getting a deal over the finish line could prove difficult given how many clubs are interested in taking him on loan and the terms of any potential deal.
Arsenal must strengthen their attacking strength and squad strength to increase their chances of winning a first league title since 2004.
With Liverpool six points clear in the Premier League table with a game in hand, Arsenal know there is no room for further setbacks.
And with Brighton hosting Arsenal at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, Ferguson could be given the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents once again.