Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is on the shortlist of Arsenal targets ahead of the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist says the Republic of Ireland international is rated highly by the Gunners, along with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, but the teenager’s price tag may prove to be too much:
“The likes of Sesko and Gyokeres are well thought of. As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want and the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.”
Fans on X are not keen on signing Ferguson due to the fact that he has struggled to hit the back of the net on a consistent basis this season:
That Ferguson is total waste of space 😂
We need a more athletic striker and a poacher ♥️— Patrick law (@Patricklaw37868) March 28, 2024
Ferguson is constantly injured,an doesn’t even start in Brightons first 11 so he’d hardly make Arsenal a better side.
— pennywise (@DavidBl74071930) March 28, 2024
Ferguson has been shocking this season. Hasn’t kicked on which is a red flag but is very young still. Arsenal need a striker to make an impact straight away. Not in 2 or 3 years.
— Thomas1417 (@Thomas14174104) March 28, 2024
Ferguson is not a guy for Arsenal, not even in the slightest.
— Punctual Bishop (@APunctualBishop) March 28, 2024
Ferguson had a underwhelming season surely they won’t price out talent that doesn’t have form too
— 𝓚𝓰7 (@Insidefwd11) March 28, 2024
Ferguson’s goal record is poor in comparison to other targets
The 19-year-old has only hit the back of the net 6 times this campaign. That’s a stark contrast to last year when he scored 16 in all competitions.
When you compare Ferguson to someone like Gyokeres, who has bagged 36 goals, you can see why many feel the Brighton youngster isn’t the right option.
Arsenal’s transfer budget will dictate their decision making
Ornstein has ruled out a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen which suggests that the club won’t be willing to break the bank for a new No.9. That could make bids for Ferguson and perhaps even Gyokeres unlikely as well.
Sesko, meanwhile, reportedly has a €50m (£43m) release clause in his contract so the Slovenian may end up becoming the Gunners’ number one target.
