EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal and Man City line up Ferguson bid

Updated: 26 Aug 2024 21:52 BST
3 min read

Evan Ferguson, Arsenal, Man City, Brighton — © IMAGO

Arsenal and Manchester City are both eyeing up a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson before the end of the transfer window.

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Ferguson has been linked with a move away from the AmEx Stadium in recent days, with Brentford rumoured to be interested in the Republic of Ireland international as a replacement for Ivan Toney.

FootballTransfers understands, though, that both Arsenal and Man City are following the situation closely and are ready to make an offer to Brighton.

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Both clubs have been seeking additional firepower, with the Gunners looking for a natural No.9 to support Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while Pep Guardiola’s side only have Erling Haaland available in the centre-forward role after they allowed Julian Alvarez to leave.

FootballTransfers’ information is that Brighton want around £70 million for the player, but both Arsenal and City would prefer a loan deal at this juncture and then settle on a price next summer.

Ferguson signed a contract extension with the Seagulls last summer and is under agreement with the club until 2029 but the south coast outfit have seen little of the 19-year-old since due to injury issues. He has not featured since March.

On top of this, Joao Pedro’s fine form, which continued as he grabbed a late winner against Manchester United at the weekend, will make it harder for Ferguson to break back into the team when he does return to fitness.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has, however, insisted that Ferguson remains in his plans, stating: “Evan came back after a long injury, so we have to be very careful.

“He has started training with the team and you can already see why he's here, because he has great abilities and great skills for a striker.”

Brighton won’t hold Ferguson back

Brighton CEO Paul Barber has previously admitted that Ferguson will inevitably depart the club.

Speaking to Soccerex TV in November, he said: “When we can put them into long contracts to give them security, give us security, but very importantly, with young players, also to help them keep learning.

“The higher level we can play at, the more chance we've got of keeping our top players for longer.

“It doesn't mean to say that we can keep them forever, because players will have their own ambitions of the club they want to play for, and the league they want to play in, and the competitions they want to perform in. And we have to be respectful of that.”

A deal for Ferguson at this juncture comes with a degree of risk due to his recent injury issues, but both Arsenal and Man City appear to feel he is worth the gamble based on his previous Premier League performances.

Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton, Man City, Evan Ferguson