Chelsea 'view Brighton's Evan Ferguson as long-term transfer target' (1 Viewer)

[MartinGee]

Chelsea is reportedly determined to secure the services of Brighton & Hove Albion center-forward Evan Ferguson, but faces tough competition for his signature. The 19-year-old is recognized as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, boasting six goals and one assist in 24 appearances for the Seagulls this season.

While Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on the Republic of Ireland international, Brighton holds a strong position in determining his future, given his contract runs until June 2029. Ferguson signed a new deal with the Seagulls in November, and it's rumored that Brighton will entertain offers only starting from £100m due to his significant potential.

Ferguson has an impressive track record, tallying 16 goals and five assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for Brighton, with 12 goals and three assists in 38 Premier League outings. Chelsea, described as 'long-term admirers' of Ferguson, is resolute in securing his signature when he eventually departs Brighton, as per the London Evening Standard.

Despite Chelsea acquiring Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez from Brighton, the Seagulls seem hesitant to sell another player to the London club. The report suggests that Brighton may demand as much as £115m for Ferguson, drawing parallels with their stance on Moises Caicedo.

In addition to Manchester United and Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in the forward. Ferguson, who recently played the full 90 minutes in Brighton's 4-2 FA Cup win over Stoke City, has been acknowledged by Seagulls CEO Paul Barber as a player destined for an even higher level in the near future, hinting at a potential move.

"At some point in the future, Evan's gonna be playing at an even higher level if his trajectory continues as it is. We want to make sure that we do everything we can to prepare him for that. Not just on the field, but off the field as well, give him as much support as we can," he told Soccerex TV.

"I think, as I said before, that the higher level we can play at, the more chance we've got of keeping our top players for longer.

"It doesn't mean to say that we can keep them forever, because players will have their own ambitions of the club they want to play for, and the league they want to play in, and the competitions they want to perform in. And we have to be respectful of that."