BRIGHTON’s Evan Ferguson is a potential loan target for Arsenal – but only if they can move on one flop first.
The 20-year-old Irish striker has been linked with a move to West Ham, Leicester and the Gunners this January.
RexEvan Ferguson is being eyed by Arsenal this January[/caption]
Ferguson joined the Seagulls in 2021 and enjoyed a breakthrough season a year later on the South Coast.
But he’s endured a tough time over the past two years, including a 33-game goalless streak that finally ended last October.
Despite Ferguson’s recent troubles in front of goal, he’s still seen as a potential star by Brighton.
And recent comments by boss Fabian Hurzeler appeared to suggest the club may sanction a loan exit.
Arsenal are desperate for attacking incomings after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, the Gunners are interested in a move for Ferguson.
But they could only sanction a deal if they offload goalkeeper Neto, currently on loan from Bournemouth.
The Brazilian stopper arrived on Deadline Day in August as cover for David Raya.
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The move has proven to be a disaster – but not for the keepers’ on-field contributions.
Neto has not played a single minute in the Premier League and is also cup-tied after appearing in the Carabao Cup for the Cherries earlier this season.
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The 35-year-old is taking up a valuable loan space in the Arsenal squad.
Top-flight clubs are only allowed two Premier League players on loan at any one time from the same league.
Currently, the Gunners have Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, and Neto as their two domestic loans.
Speaking earlier this month, Hurzeler said: “We will negotiate what is important for [Ferguson].
“What is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together.
GettyNeto has not played a single minute since joining the Gunners in August[/caption]
Arsenal ratings vs Aston Villa
Arsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston Villa
Leandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.
But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.
Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.
GABRIEL – 7
Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counter
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.
MIKEL MERINO – 6
A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.
He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6
A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.
The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8
Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.
KAI HAVERTZ – 8
Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.
The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.
SUBS:
RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6
A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”.
“This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent [Facundo] Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players.
“It’s the perfect environment to adapt.
“In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton.
“So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful.”