West Ham advantage in Evan Ferguson transfer race with three other clubs including Arsenal

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Out-of-favour Brighton man Evan Ferguson is Graham Potter’s first choice for the striker’s berth at West Ham, talkSPORT understands.

The pair previously worked together during Potter’s time at the Seagulls, and that is why the Hammers believe they have the edge.

Ferguson impressed last season, but has barely played at all this term
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Potter appears eager for a reunion with Ferguson and could make a move if the talented striker becomes available for the rest of the season.

Brighton will wait as long as possible before Friday's deadline day in making a final decision.

Since Niclas Füllkrug’s injury, West Ham have struggled to find that crucial focal point in their attack, placing tremendous pressure on players like Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus.

Should Ferguson be available for loan, Potter’s previous relationship with him might just tip the scales in the battle for his signature.

However, the Hammers won’t have it easy, facing stiff competition from a number of Premier League rivals.

Everton and Bournemouth have also registered an interest, while Arsenal cannot be ruled out of making a late move.

The Gunners are on the lookout for additional firepower and are contemplating a potential loan deal.

Arsenal’s need for a striker has grown more urgent following Gabriel Jesus‘s cruciate ligament injury.

An unfortunate setback that could sideline him for an entire year. 

Many fans remain skeptical about first-choice striker Kai Havertz, who has netted eight goals in 20 Premier League matches this season.

Ferguson could be in need of a new start at a new club.
Potter worked with Ferguson at Brighton
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Manager Mikel Arteta recently admitted he is consulting his players over who the Gunners should sign in January.

Arteta said: “We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks, and they recognise the situation; we all do.

"That’s why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team; that’s our intention.”

He added: “I always do it, especially if they know them, because that’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying, and it is real.”

If Arsenal successfully secure a striker in January, Arteta hopes it will bring his team closer to league leaders Liverpool. 

Currently sitting in second place, the Gunners are six points behind the Reds, although they have a game in hand.

Havertz has missed some high-quality chances this season.

Brighton plan to leave Ferguson’s fate until late in the transfer window, considering Danny Welbeck‘s injury history before permitting any exits.

Once regarded as a potential £100 million striker, Ferguson has found himself in a limited role this season under Fabian Hurzeler

He has featured in just 12 games across all competitions, with only four as a starter, and scoring just once. 

Ankle problems have kept the promising 20-year-old sidelined since before Christmas, but the Seagulls are now willing to place the Irish talent on loan to help nurture his development.

Brighton’s next game is away to third place Nottingham Forest, on Saturday at 12.30pm.

Ninth-place Brighton have a strong away form, meaning this could be a competitive, close game.

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