West Ham are set to rival Arsenal for the services of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this month - leaving Mikel Arteta with a decision to make early on in the January transfer window. Ferguson has been linked with a move away from the Amex, having made just two Premier League starts so far this season. Reports had stated that Arsenal were interested in signing Ferguson this month if Brighton were open to letting him leave.
It was claimed by talkSPORT that the Seagulls were weighing up the 20-year-old's future, but were 'inclined to insist' on including an obligation to buy clause in any deal that would see him leave on loan for the remainder of the season. Now, the Daily Telegraph are reporting that West Ham have Ferguson on a three-man shortlist of forwards 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 potential options. West Ham are said to have made a formal enquiry about signing Ferguson, but Brighton are yet to make a decision due to concerns over Danny Welbeck's fitness.
However, Arsenal may have to act fast if they want to follow up their interest in Ferguson and Gunners boss Arteta has stated they are "ready" to dip in to the transfer market following injuries to attackers Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri.
"Well, my focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can," he said. "We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we'll have to consider it.".
