Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal are reportedly plotting a shock January swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Evan Ferguson.
According to talkSPORT, the 20-year-old has attracted the Gunners’ interest despite only netting once in league action this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta is hellbent on adding to his attacking options midway through the campaign.
Given Gabriel Jesus’ wayward form and Kai Havertz’s inconsistency, it’s barely surprising the Spaniard is keen to strengthen his frontline.
Jesus bagged only his third league goal this season in Arsenal’s come-from-behind 3-1 victory at Brentford on Wednesday night.
However, that’s not nearly enough to meet the London giants’ lofty appetites.
Though his first-half equaliser helped Arsenal close the gap on Liverpool to six points, the Brazilian has never convinced anyone at the Emirates Stadium.
As such, Arsenal could launch a winter assault on Ferguson, who has been on the fringes of Fabian Hurzeler’s side this term.
Once considered the next big thing in the Premier League, the Irishman has suffered an epic fall from grace this year.
He has only made two top-flight starts, with Hurzeler forcing him to play understudy to in-demand Joao Pedro for most of the campaign.
With first-team chances in East Sussex at a premium, Ferguson may fancy a move to Arsenal.
On the other hand, the Seagulls are still weighing up whether to listen to offers for their highly-rated youngster.
Ferguson hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s still one of the most sought-after prospects in the Premier League.
The Independent’s recent report suggests Fulham could rival Arsenal in the race for the Bohemians youth academy graduate.
But the Cottagers would only sign the Brighton centre-forward on loan until the end of the season.
Marco Silva’s team could offer Ferguson regular first-team action at Craven Cottage, which may diminish Arsenal’s chances of landing the up-and-coming Irish star.
