Former Arsenal and Chelsea target made available for loan before transfer deadline
Yesterday at 04:43 AM
Former Arsenal and Chelsea target Evan Ferguson has been made available for loan in the final week of the transfer window, according to reports.
The Republic of Ireland international has made just two Premier League starts since Hurzeler's arrival, with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro all regularly ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 20-year-old, who first broke into the side under Graham Potter before continuing his development under Roberto De Zerbi last season, has also seen his progress halted this campaign due to various injuries.
Ferguson has missed the seven games due to an ankle injury, and, according to reports, is now expected to leave the club on loan in the final days of the window in search of regular minutes for the rest of the season.
The idea of Ferugon leaving on loan was initially rubbished by Hurzeler prior to the window, but the Brighton boss has now admitted that the striker could leave the club on loan in the coming days.
‘The way of Brighton and Hove Albion is to get young players in, try to improve them,’ the German said before his side’s defeat to Everton last weekend.
‘Of course, we see his potential, but it is also important that he gets enough game time to develop and to improve.
‘Therefore, it’s always a decision we make together. So, We want to hear his opinion, his thoughts. We want to hear also his needs, his wishes and then it is also the club’s side.
‘Evan is not fit yet, so we still have some days until the window is closed and until then we have to figure out what the situation at the moment is, what do we need for the rest of the season and then also what does the players want and then it’s about making the decision together.’
Last season, Ferguson attracted interest from Chelsea as they went in search of attacking firepower, while Arsenal were also credited with a move for the young striker this month.
However, with Brighton only willing to let Ferguson leave on loan, Arsenal will be unable to sign the forward given they have already used up their two Premier League loans on Raheem Sterling and Neto.
In leiu of concrete interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, several other Premier League and European clubs could now vye for his signature before deadline day.
West Ham are said to be in the market for a striker and could have an advantage in negotiations give that new boss Potter was the man to bring Ferguson to Brighton back in 2021.
Bournemouth and Fulham are also said to be long-term admirers of the striker, while The Telegraph reports that there is also strong interest from the Bundesliga.
Brighton are back in action on Saturday when they visit Nottingham Forest.
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