West Ham will compete with Arsenal this month for the services of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, leaving Mikel Arteta with a decision to make early in the January transfer window.
Ferguson has been linked with a move away from the Amex after making just two Premier League starts so far this season. According to reports, Arsenal would be interested in signing Ferguson this month if Brighton were open to letting him leave.
TalkSPORT claimed the Seagulls were considering the 20-year-old's future but were 'inclined to insist' on including an obligation to buy in any deal that would see him loaned out for the remainder of the season.
Now the Daily Telegraph reports that West Ham have included Ferguson on a three-man shortlist of attackers as they look to strengthen their squad. Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are both currently sidelined, meaning the Hammers are short on firepower.
The report states that they have shortlisted Ferguson, Middlesbrough's top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath and Wolves star Hwang Hee-Chan as possible options. West Ham are understood to have made a formal investigation into Ferguson's signing, but Brighton are yet to make a decision amid concerns over Danny Welbeck's fitness.
However, Arsenal may need to act quickly if they want to fulfill their interest in Ferguson, and Gunners boss Arteta has declared they are “ready” to enter the transfer market following injuries to strikers Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri.
“Well, my focus right now is honestly on the resources we have within the squad to be as competitive as possible,” he said. “We have a lot of options to do that. And if there is something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do so, we will have to consider it.”
Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League and are unbeaten in their last ten games. They are also in the mix of Champions League, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup and will face Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Looking ahead to the match, Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey told the club media: “I'm very excited, we have to prepare well. We know how difficult it is to play against them, the quality they have, the players they have, we know how difficult it is to play against them, the quality they have, the players they have, we know we have to be there for them.
“It will be great; we know how big the supporters are and what a big role they play in the games we play, and we will need them for this match.”
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