Manchester City and Arsenal ‘eyeing up’ £70m Manchester United transfer target

Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly ‘eyeing up’ Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.

The Premier League’s top two sides are lacking firepower up front, with City not currently in possession of a back-up option for Erling Haaland, while Arsenal’s first choice is Kai Havertz, a player more suited to a false-nine role than a classic centre-forward. Gabriel Jesus, who joined from City in 2022, has slipped down the pecking order and managed just four Premier League goals last season.

The solution to both clubs’ problems could be Ferguson, who has already netted 12 top-flight goals in his fledgling career. According to Football Transfers, Brentford are considering a move for the Republic of Ireland star if Ivan Toney leaves, a situation City and Arsenal are following closely and are ready to make an offer’.

The outlet add that Brighton value Ferguson at around £70m, with City and Arsenal feeling a deal is ‘worth the gamble’ despite his recent injury record. The 19-year-old missed the final nine matches of last season with an ankle injury, a problem that has so far prevented him from playing this term.

Ferguson returned to the Seagulls’ squad on Tuesday night for the 4-0 win over Crawley Town but was an unused substitute.

The forward is also a long-term transfer target for Manchester United, although Ferguson’s price and the need to address other areas in the squad prevented Erik ten Hag from making a bid this summer.

Ferguson has scored 16 goals in 65 appearances for Brighton and has registered three in 12 caps for Ireland.