Arsenal told of Ferguson 'optimism' as deal moves closer

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Jan 2025 17:11 GMT
4 min read

Evan Ferguson, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

West Ham are optimistic of striking a deal for Evan Ferguson, while a move to Arsenal looks complicated, according to a report.

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Brighton have at last come to the decision that they will allow the Republic of Ireland striker to leave the club before the February 3 deadline. There had been plenty of uncertainty surrounding Ferguson due to an injury that threatened to ruin any potential transfer.

Moreover, the Seagulls were initially unsure whether they would allow Ferguson to depart, but it now appears to be set in stone that he will have a new club come the end of the window.

Several sides have expressed an interest in the youngster, including Arsenal, who are known to be long-time admirers of Ferguson. His availability could have been a market opportunity for the Gunners, but the fact that they can only sign him permanently complicates the matter.

Arsenal already have Raheem Sterling and Neto on their books and Mikel Arteta recently confirmed that neither will be sent back to his parent club, which means that any move for Ferguson must be permanent.

Given his injury record and lack of form since his breakout 2022/23 season, it seems that Arsenal are reluctant to make a big offer for him despite launching a surprise €72 million bid for 29-year-old Ollie Watkins on Wednesday.

West Ham optimistic over Ferguson

Instead, it looks increasingly likely that Ferguson will end up in East London. According to Ben Jacobs, West Ham are optimistic of striking a deal with Brighton, although Bournemouth and Everton also hold an interest.

Ferguson is seen as West Ham's top target for the final days of the window. Previously, he had been touted for a move to Bayer Leverkusen - and he was keen, says Jacobs - but Al-Nassr pulling out of their €60m deal for Victor Boniface means that the Bundesliga side don't need another striker.

Brighton, meanwhile, could replace Ferguson in the summer with Stefanos Tzimas, who has been on a tear in the 2. Bundesliga. The Greek wonderkid is spending the season on loan at Nürnberg and they are looking to make his move permanent before selling him on for a profit.

According to Sky Germany, the Seagulls are leading the race for the 19-year-old after he had a convincing talk with head coach Fabian Hürzeler.

Nürnberg would trigger their whopping €18m purchase option - a deal they couldn't afford under normal circumstances - and then immediately sell him for a fee in excess of €25m.