Chelsea set to miss out on Evan Ferguson signing due to striker’s ‘relationship’ with one Blues flop, Premier League rivals in pole position

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Chelsea could miss out on signing Brighton’s Evan Ferguson in this transfer window because of one of their former managers.

With the January window now in its final stages, Chelsea are running out of time if they want to bring any new faces to Stamford Bridge. On paper, the Blues squad could do with the addition of another striker to help out a misfiring Nicolas Jackson.

Brighton frontman Evan Ferguson, 20, is rumoured to be a potential target for Enzo Maresca’s side.

Chelsea could make a ‘late dash’ for Brighton centre-forward Ferguson by trying to bring him to the club on loan.

The latest speculation in the transfer rumour mill suggests that the Blues face a tough battle if they want to sign the Seagulls frontman, though.

• READ MORE: Every striker Chelsea have been heavily linked with since the start of the season including star Enzo Maresca labelled ‘fantastic’

Graham Potter’s West Ham in pole position for Chelsea target Evan Ferguson

TalkSPORT claims that West Ham are now ‘leading the race’ for Brighton youngster Ferguson in this window.

It is explained that the Republic of Ireland international is available to leave the Amex Stadium on loan for the rest of the season.

The report says that West Ham are frontrunners for the 20-year-old despite rival interest from the likes of Arsenal. Apparently, the ‘relationship’ of Hammers manager Graham Potter and Ferguson from their time together at Brighton gives West Ham an edge in the transfer pursuit.

Speaking via The Argus back in 2022, Potter described Ferguson as someone with an “exciting future” ahead of him.

The youngster’s scored 17 goals in 79 first-team appearances for Brighton, but he needs a move this month because he’s struggling for game time this season.

It would be interesting to see if Potter can get one over on Chelsea because he endured a tough spell at Stamford Bridge. The English coach has gone down as a Blues flop because he lasted less than seven months in the manager’s dugout before his sacking in 2023.

Evan Ferguson needs fresh move

At the age of 20, Ferguson’s still in his infancy as a player and his potential remains very high. However, it’s fair to point out that he’s had a slight drop off in the last year.

The striker’s only scored once in 14 appearances across all competitions this season in Brighton colours, which is down to form, injury and lack of playing time. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer from the club’s perspective to get him out on loan playing regularly again.

Tony Cascarino thinks Brighton’s Ferguson has regressed since he had a £100m valuation put on his head.

We don’t think Ferguson would start at Chelsea if he arrived mid-season, but he’d definitely provide a great alternative to Nicolas Jackson in the No.9 spot. If the Blues go far in the cup competitions, they’ll need the strength in depth.

Ferguson to West Ham may make the most sense because they desperately need a starting striker at the London Stadium. The Potter factor is an added bonus, too.