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Football

30th Aug 2024

Chelsea are interested in making a last-minute bid for Evan Ferguson

SportsJOE

Ferguson has been linked with the two best teams in the Premier League.

Chelsea are interested in making a late move for Republic of Ireland star Evan Ferguson before the transfer window closes on Friday, according to reports.

In recent weeks, the Brighton and Hove Albion striker has been linked with a move away from the club, with Brentford said to be keen on signing him as a replacement for Ivan Toney, who is set to leave the Bees for the Saudi Pro Leeague.

Ferguson, according to Football Transfers, is also on the radar of Arsenal and Man City, who are both looking to sign a centre-forward before the transfer window closes on Friday, August 30.

And now, according to The Times, Chelsea are interested in signing the Irish striker, 19, before the window closes.

The Blues, however, have yet to submit a bid, and it is unclear if Brighton would sanction his sale at this stage of the season.

The Ireland striker, 19, is highly rated by Brighton, and is valued at around €80m by the Seagulls.

The Premier League club reportedly ‘laughed’ at Manchester United’s £50m bid for him last summer.

Ferguson, however, has dropped down the pecking order at the Amex Stadium, with Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro currently the club’s first-choice strikers.

Due to injuries and fitness issues, he also has not scored in the Premier League since last November.

Yet, Ferguson remains one of the most talented young centre-forwards in the Premier League and looks to have the potential to play for an elite club.

The Ireland striker is also still in the plans of new Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

“Evan came back after a long injury, so we have to be very careful,” Hurzeler said after Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United last weekend, when Pedro and Welbeck scored.

“He has started training with the team and you can already see why he’s here because he has great abilities and great skills for a striker.”

Ferguson has scored 16 goals in 65 appearances for the Seagulls.

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