Exclusive: Arsenal and Chelsea unlikely to be able to sign £60m striker permanently, loan deal on the table

Yesterday at 08:15 AM

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom will likely only send Evan Ferguson on loan this month — who has generated interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea.

TBR Football reported Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in Brighton’s Ferguson, who could be sent out on loan this January.

West Ham have made contact to sign Ferguson, with Niclas Fullkrug’s latest hamstring injury further highlighting their need for a brand-new striker — with the 20-year-old valued at £60 million by the Seagulls.

Ferguson has been compared to Alan Shearer and his talent knows no bounds as several Premier League clubs are looking to bring in a bankable number nine to bolster their ranks.

Evan Ferguson only available on loan for Arsenal and Chelsea

Graeme Bailey — TBR Football’s chief correspondent has been informed that Arsenal and Chelsea remain attentive about Evan Ferguson’s uncertain future at the Amex Stadium but AFC Bournemouth and Everton have made contact to sign him on loan now.

TBR Football understands Brighton are yet to green-light any talks involving Ferguson, who Ian Wright wished Arsenal would sign, even though he could still leave this month.

Brighton fear letting the Irishman leave when both Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro have suffered knocks recently.

Furthermore, TBR Football have been notified that any deal for Ferguson will likely be on loan.

Tony Bloom still remains a huge admirer of the youngster.

Ferguson’s statistics suggest how prolific he is.

With 13 goals to his name in 27 league starts, despite suffering various injury problems, the Bettystown-born striker has justified the hype surrounding him.

Evan Ferguson compared to Erling Haaland

Gary Lineker compared Ferguson to Erling Haaland as a number of English clubs continue to express their interest in signing him.

Lineker said: “He's got it all, hasn't he? You never know really completely with young players as things can happen in your life or injuries.”

“But if he gets a fair run and he's got the right attitude, which he looks like he's got on the pitch, you can never be sure, and hearing him in his interviews.”

"His movement, his finishing. He's only 18 [now 20]!"

Gary Lineker concluded: “He's got a tiny hint of Haaland. He's a big lad, strong, quick, good finisher who looks unfazed by everything."

TBR Football revealed Arsenal are interested in signing Dusan Vlahovic on loan this month as well.

While Chelsea are keen on Liam Delap’s signature as both clubs consider the number nine position upgradeable.

But whichever club can convince Brighton to forego Ferguson on even a temporary basis will be landing a cracking young prospect.