Chelsea are desperately trying to sign a new striker before the January transfer window closes, and according to a report in The Guardian, the Blues are considering Evan Ferguson.
Ferguson has fallen down the pecking order at Brighton, starting just two Premier League games this season. However, his lack of game time has made him the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs.
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Ferguson, and now Chelsea have also entered this exciting transfer race. While all three clubs are interested in signing him on a short-term loan, Brighton are pushing for a permanent sale, valuing him at around €48 million.
Can a player like Evan Ferguson thrive at Chelsea?
Evan Ferguson has risen through the ranks at Brighton, but the youngster has struggled to make an impact at the senior level.
He has scored 17 goals in 79 senior appearances for the club, but this season, he has found the net just once in 219 minutes of Premier League action. His xG stands at only 0.54 from two shots on target.
Ferguson is clearly struggling for game time with the Seagulls, and it’s unlikely he would become a regular starter at Chelsea. However, Enzo Maresca could use him as a backup to Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson has scored nine league goals for Chelsea this season, but the 23-year-old has failed to find the back of the net in his last seven appearances. Maresca desperately needs to add competition in that position, and Ferguson possesses the necessary attributes to provide it.
Unlike other potential targets, Evan Ferguson will be more than happy to play second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson and play in those fringe domestic and Conference League matches for Chelsea.
Can Chelsea sign the striker ahead of West Ham and Spurs?
Brighton are keen to offload Ferguson permanently during the current transfer window. If a permanent deal cannot be secured, they would prefer a loan move with an obligation-to-buy clause.
West Ham’s pursuit has stalled, as they are unwilling to include an obligation-to-buy clause in the deal. They are very much eager to add Evan Ferguson to their squad but the Hammers don’t want to be trapped with an OTB clause.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are eager to replace the injured Dominic Solanke, and if Brighton lower their asking price to around €40 million, Spurs could be seriously tempted to move forward with the transfer.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are unlikely to commit to a permanent deal, as they have bigger plans for the summer window. The Blues would prefer a short-term loan, possibly with an option to buy. However, if Brighton refuse to agree to such terms, it is unlikely that Maresca’s side will push ahead with the deal.
