Arsenal are targeting the WRONG Brighton star

Cameron Smith

31 Mar 2024 16:39 BST
4 min read

Mikel Arteta, Brighton, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are reportedly still interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson as they look to acquire a new number nine this summer.

Article continues under the video

FootballTransfers understands that Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres is currently the Gunners’ first-choice target, with Benjamin Sesko also admired, while David Ornstein recently confirmed that Ferguson remains on their radar.

Last year, sources informed us that Ferguson was high on Arsenal’s transfer wish-list, but he has dropped below the likes of Sesko and Gyokeres after a fairly poor 2023-24 campaign.

Danny Welbeck appears to be Roberto De Zerbi’s favoured option through the middle at the AMEX Stadium, with the Republic of Ireland international struggling in front of goal this term.

After netting a hat-trick against Newcastle United in September, Ferguson was expected to kick on, but he has only scored two goals in all competitions since then. The 19-year-old hasn’t found the back of the net since November and is enduring a barren spell in front of goal.

Arsenal are unlikely to pay Brighton’s asking price this summer, but Ferguson remains an option despite his poor form.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal set Biereth transfer stance amid summer interest

With Ferguson showing signs that he isn’t ready for a big-money move just yet, despite his obvious talent, Arsenal should be very wary of pursuing the Irishman.

However, the Gunners could consider a move for Simon Adingra or Carlos Baleba, Ferguson's current team-mates at Brighton.

Arsenal to pursue Adingra or Baleba?

During Brighton’s 2-1 loss against Liverpool, their former star Alexis Mac Allister pulled the strings for Jurgen Klopp’s side in midfield, but Baleba performed admirably against him.

The former Lille midfielder won all seven of his ground duels during the clash at Anfield and was fouled on four occasions, with Liverpool often forced to take him down after a driving run through the centre of the pitch.

Billy Gilmour didn’t feature for the Seagulls and Baleba stepped up in his absence, picking up the ball from Lewis Dunk or Jan Paul van Hecke with ease and looking to play on the half-turn in order to spring a Brighton counter-attack.

It was a brilliant performance from Baleba, who made three tackles and two interceptions, while maintaining a 91% pass accuracy.

Adingra was also very threatening during the game, particularly in the first-half, as Conor Bradley struggled to deal with his pace and trickery. The recent Africa Cup of Nations winner completed three dribbles at Anfield and was a constant headache for the Reds, who only managed to nullify his threat after 45 minutes.

Gyokeres is currently a better option for Arsenal than Ferguson, but Adingra or Baleba could be smart pick-ups for the Gunners. Adingra is equally capable of playing on both flanks and he would therefore be a brilliant back-up option to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

As for Baleba, he could either be used as a replacement for Jorginho in a number six role or he could be given licence to roam forward in a number eight role at the Gunners; he would be a suitable back-up for Declan Rice, who is at risk of being overused by Mikel Arteta.

Ferguson is a great talent, but Arsenal may be better off pursuing Adingra or Baleba if they want to sign one of Brighton’s current stars.