The bold £60m signing that would inject life into Arsenal and hand Mikel Arteta title race boost

Even a blind man can see that Arsenal need an out-and-out striker. Gabriel Jesus’ confidence is lower than the belly of a snake, and while Kai Havertz has done well playing in that role, he would rather be deployed as a number ten.

One of the saddest things that could happen is for Arsenal to lose out to Liverpool for the Premier League title, especially when Arsenal have been the team to push Manchester City so close in the last two seasons, only for Liverpool to turn up in this season when City are struggling.

Last season, the Gunners had the best defence in the league, and it’s a credit to the way Mikel Arteta has set up the team. Many have argued that with the help of a clinical striker like the one their rivals Manchester City have in Erling Haaland, or even someone like Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Arsenal would be absolutely unstoppable.

Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal are building a striker shortlist ahead of January, with the likes of Victor Gyokeres - who we have a hunch may go to Man Utd - Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap among the rumoured chosen forwards.

Dspite these claims, Arteta has often downplayed the need for an attacker, always backing his team to get across the line, even without signing a striker. But given the rumours that Evan Ferguson is looking to leave Brighton, he could be the kind of striker who helps take the Gunners to the next level.

Ferguson also fits the age profile that the Gunners would typically target, and Arteta could then mould him into an elite professional.

For the player, Arsenal’s attacking philosophy under Arteta is very much focused on fluid, high-pressing football and intelligent link-up play. Ferguson’s style, as a physical, target-man forward with strong technical ability, could complement Arsenal’s dynamic attack. He’d offer a different option to Arteta, especially as a more traditional striker than Gabriel Jesus or Leandro Trossard.

Then there’s the development aspect. With a heavy emphasis on youth development at Arsenal and Arteta’s track record of nurturing young talents, Ferguson would be given ample opportunities to grow. Playing alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli would also benefit him technically and in terms of creating chances.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has attempted to shoot down any talk of Ferguson leaving in his latest press conference, stating that he doesn't know where all those rumours are coming from. However, you’d expect that even Hurzeler would be happy if Arsenal offered £60 million for his striker. Injuries in the past seasons have meant the hype around Ferguson has somewhat cooled, but there’s no denying that, when fit, few players can match his finishing ability.

Still only 20, Ferguson is a brilliant talent with the world at his feet, and that’s where both he and Arsenal could meet. A young player who wants to take his game to the next level, in a team coached by a manager who needs a striker to properly challenge for the league title.