Evan Ferguson transfer latest: Man City plan, Chelsea 'favourites', Arsenal move

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson has been mooted as a potential transfer target for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur recently

The likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion teenager Evan Ferguson in recent times.

The 18-year-old striker became the sixth-youngest player to ever score a hat-trick in the Premier League over the weekend, netting three times during a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United. Ferguson has featured four times for the Seagulls in the English top-flight this term, netting four goals in the process.

The Ireland international doesn't see his contract on the south coast expire until 2028, so Roberto De Zerbi will be in no rush to offload him. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything that's been reported on the talented centre-forward's future at the Amex Stadium.

City plan

Manchester City are keen on Ferguson, according to iNews.

It is claimed that the Citizens, despite already owning superstar striker Erling Haaland, are interested in recruiting the Ireland international to their attacking ranks.

Chelsea 'favourites'

Owen Hargreaves has backed Chelsea to leapfrog the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Evan Ferguson. Speaking on The Kelly & Wrighty Show following Brighton's win over Newcastle before the international break, he said: "That was against the best defence in the Premier League last season.

"Dan Burn looked very worried about Ferguson. I like the fact that all three goals were different. The first one was an easy one, he was in the right spot. The second was a great goal. He’s a bit of an old school centre-forward, he’s got that physical profile."

Then, when the former Manchester United midfielder was asked which club the striker will join next, he named the west London outfit as the most likely destination. Hargreaves said: "Probably Chelsea because they buy all of Brighton’s players."

Wright's verdict

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has admitted that he can't see Ferguson staying with Brighton for very long, claiming that a so-called top six club will soon come knocking on their door.

"When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace," Wright told Premier League Productions when discussing the Republic of Ireland international. "He has all the attributes at 18.

"Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. You can’t find that guy to come around, who is 18, in the Premier League and at the perfect club to continue to grow.

"They aren’t going to be able to hold onto that guy if he carries on doing what he is doing. He is too good. So intelligent – for 18, it’s really, really composed finishing.

"He is fearless at 18. Can you imagine being in the Premier League at 18? You’re not under the pressure you would be under like Garnacho would be under at Manchester United – you watch the way he plays, all the top teams, the top six teams. He can play in any of those teams. We know Brighton, at some stage, they will sell him."

Tottenham advice

Gary Lineker urged Tottenham to make a move for Ferguson last month, claiming that the teenager was the perfect successor to Harry Kane.

After Ferguson netted against Luton, Lineker wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Evan Ferguson scores in Fergie time. He’s a born goalscorer.

"If I was in charge of recruitment at Spurs I’d take a punt on him as Kane’s replacement. Apologies to Brighton fans."

Arsenal interest

Ferguson is on the radar of Arsenal for next summer's transfer window, according to FootballTransfers.

It is claimed that Manchester United are also interested in the youngster, although the Gunners are said to be more likely to make a move.

Price tag revealed

According to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, Brighton believe that Ferguson will command a new British-record transfer fee, which currently stands at the £115million Chelsea paid the Seagulls for Moises Caicedo last month.

Move weighed up by Chelsea and Spurs

Earlier this year, The Sun reported that both Chelsea and Tottenham were weighing up making a move for Ferguson, with Spurs regarding him as a potential long-term replacement for Harry Kane - who has since joined Bayern Munich.

It was also claimed that Chelsea rate the teenager very highly.