The dream Arsenal and Brighton summer swap transfer that would see both clubs challenge for Europe next season

You would be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal are swinging the lead. For months on end now, we have been repeatedly told that the Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, that their hunt for a new striker could be the fulcrum on which their lingering silverware aspirations hinge entirely. And yet, they have scored four goals or more in four of their last six Premier League outings. Something just doesn't add up here, Mikel.

Of course, glibness and hot streak of form aside, it is fairly obvious as to why Arsenal are so keen to bring in a centre forward in the coming months. Beyond Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, the Gunners are sorely lacking in depth at the point of attack, and in many respects, a prolific, reliable goal-scorer feels like the missing piece in an otherwise impressive puzzle.

With that in mind, it is interesting to come across fresh reports linking Mikel Arteta's men with a potential swoop for Brighton teenager Evan Ferguson. According to Football Insider, Arsenal are keeping tabs on the Republic of Ireland international, with scouts in north London convinced that he is 'a “huge talent” capable of playing in the Champions League and developing into a world-beating number nine'. Who are we to disagree?

Despite his tender age, Ferguson has already amassed 16 goals and six assists in 60 senior outings for Brighton, and while his return has dried up a little in recent weeks, there is no denying that he is a player of immense potential who contributes a great deal to one of the most well-regarded footballing entities in the country. Even putting his finishing prowess to one side for the moment, Ferguson's hold up play, range of distribution, and understanding of movement is far beyond that of your average 19-year-old striker. He is a special prospect, and one that feels destined for a high profile transfer sooner rather than later.

Is he, however, the 25 goal-a-season force of nature that Arsenal are (apparently) so desperately crying out for? At this precise moment in time, perhaps not. Make no mistake, Ferguson can absolutely become that player, but if the Gunners were to make their move this summer, then many fans would surely hope that they would also see the arrival of a more experienced option too. Ivan Toney springs to mind, as does Victor Osimhen.

But if that is the case, then Arsenal will need to find a way of keeping the fee for Ferguson as low as possible, and a quick hack to do exactly that could be to offer up a player in part exchange.

The aforementioned Eddie Nketiah is a valued member of the Emirates dressing room, but with every passing season, it becomes more and more apparent that Arteta does not wholly believe that the 24-year-old has what it takes to become the Gunners' main man in the centre. There is, of course, no shame in playing second fiddle at a club like Arsenal, but nor could anybody blame Nketiah were he to decide that he would rather branch out and test himself elsewhere.

To that end, Brighton would be an ideal destination. Albion, for all of their good work under Roberto de Zerbi, still occasionally grapple with the suspicion that they too are missing a striker befitting of their position in the league table. Technically sound and capable in front of goal, Nketiah could well be a good fit.

And if Arsenal are serious about Ferguson, then maybe a swap is something to be considered. The Gunners bring in a teenage prospect with the potential to become a world class talent, while also saving a considerable wedge of cash. Brighton, for their part, are compensated with a suitable Ferguson replacement, and Nketiah gets the chance to go to a club where he will almost certainly be guaranteed more first team minutes and opportunities to prove his worth as a Premier League centre forward. Who says no?