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Published January 11, 2025 9:41pm Updated January 11, 2025 9:42pm
Joe Cole has urged Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to snub transfer interest from Arsenal and instead join his old club West Ham in January.
Brighton have made the £60m-rated Premier League star available on loan this month, according to The Telegraph.
Arsenal are considering a move for the Republic of Ireland international but Cole wants to see Ferguson turn down any approach from the Gunners.
Cole is instead keen for Ferguson to join Graham Potter’s West Ham, who desperately need a striker following injury to Niclas Fullkrug.
Speaking on The Dressing Room, Cole discussed Ferguson’s future alongside fellow former footballers Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge.
‘What’s the likelihood of West Ham outbidding Arsenal?’ Bridge asked.
Cole said: ‘Listen, if I’m his agent I’m saying to him go to West Ham. You’re not going to get into the Brighton team.
‘You’re going to take a step up and play, you need games, you’re a young kid you need games, come and play for West Ham, it hasn’t worked for Fullkrug yet, go there.’
Ferguson has missed Brighton’s last three Premier League games due to an ankle problem.
Even when fully fit, though, the Irishman is behind at least three others in Fabian Hurzeler’s pecking order.
Ferguson, desperate for more minutes, could now move on and there are a number of clubs who want him due to his age and potential.
The 20-year-old has conjured up 17 goals and five assists across 79 games for Brighton to date.
He would almost certainly slot straight into West Ham’s XI, given that Fulkrug, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio are all currently ruled out.
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