Arsenal consider late loan offer for West Ham's top transfer target

01/27/2025 11:37 AM

Arsenal are ‘contemplating’ a late loan offer for West Ham’s top transfer targets, according to reports.

The Gunners are yet to make any signings during the January transfer window but will look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad before the February 3 deadline if an opportunity presents itself.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of forwards following a mixed season in front of goal and the serious injury Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus suffered earlier in the month.

Jesus’ absence is a further blow to a team who have struggled in the final third at times this season and have been accused of being toothless in front of goal.

Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s top goalscorer this season with eight league goals but even the German has attracted criticism for his returns over the past 18 months.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen have been linked with the north London club in January but Arsenal are looking closer to home for attacking reinforcements.

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is a figure of interest for Arsenal, who will consider approaching the south coast side with a loan offer before the transfer deadline, according to talkSPORT.

Ferguson was once viewed as one of the most highly-rated forwards in the Premier League but he has stagnated this season, scoring just one goal in 12 league games.

The 20-year-old has had to accept a more limited role under new boss Fabian Hurzeler and Brighton are open to loaning him out, hoping it will benefit his development.

Arsenal are far from the only club interested in signing Ferguson, with new West Ham manager Graham Potter looking to reunite with a player he worked with at Brighton.

West Ham’s problems at the top of the pitch have been well documented and Potter has reportedly made Ferguson his No. 1 striker target as he looks to take the Hammers forward.

Everton and Bournemouth have also registered interest in Ferguson, whose value has slashed since he was valued at more than £70m this time last year.

Arsenal are looking for attacking reinforcements as they look to reel in runaway leaders Liverpool and clinch their first Premier League title since 2004.

The Gunners recovered from a controversial red card to beat Wolves 1-0 at the weekend, though Liverpool thumping Ipswich Town 4-1 means the gap at the top of the table remains at six points.

Discussing Arsenal’s transfer strategy last week, Arteta revealed he has been consulting his players on possible targets.

‘We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks, and they recognise the situation, we all do,’ he said.

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

‘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.’

As well as making close to 100 Premier League appearances, Ferguson has earned 18 caps for Republic of Ireland, scoring four international goals.

Explaining why he is willing to loan out Ferguson this month, Brighton boss Hurzeler recently said: ‘The way of Brighton and Hove Albion is to get young players in, try to improve them.

‘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.’

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