Arsenal demonstrated the depth of their extended squad in their much-needed 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
Kai Havertz joined forwards Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling on Arsenal’s growing absentee list, with Declan Rice also held to the bench.
And despite going behind at the Gtech Community Stadium, Arsenal were able to rally to a relatively comfortable win in the end, a reflection of their improved squad depth.
Ethan Nwaneri stepped in brilliantly at right-wing – a more like-for-like replacement for Saka in comparison to Gabriel Martinelli who isn’t able to cut inside on his left foot.
Elsewhere, Thomas Partey was exceptional stepping into Mikel Arteta’s midfield, with Gabriel Jesus also continuing his form through the middle.
Arsenal target Evan Ferguson could be available for loan in January
That being said, there’s still a strong feeling that Arsenal will add to their squad in January, looking to add more depth up front.
And over the past few years, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson has often been linked with Arsenal, a 20-year-old who is demonstrating rich potential.
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However, such has been his struggles with his form and fitness of late, Brighton might be willing to loan out Ferguson this month.
That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs who shared his update on X and insisted that Arsenal are one of the Premier League clubs on red ‘alert’.
He said: “Brighton are still deciding whether to listen to offers for Evan Ferguson in January. Several suitors have already enquired and yet to receive clarity. Brighton’s focus just on getting Ferguson fit for now.
“Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham among those alert to an opportunity. #AFC unlikely to spend big on No.9 now, but open to the possibility of a January addition under the right circumstances, in addition to a summer striker (Sesko, Isak both strong targets).
“Challenge at the moment is that although a half-season loan is very appealing to several Premier League clubs, Brighton are currently inclined to insist on an obligation clause if they decide to let Ferguson go in January.”
Why is Evan Ferguson struggling at Brighton?
As mentioned, Ferguson is currently failing to deliver on all of the early promise he showed when he first announced himself in the Premier League.
This season, Ferguson has only played 373 minutes for Brighton, scoring one solitary goal in 14 appearances across all competitions.
The Republic of Ireland international has struggled with his fitness, suffering a significant ankle injury for much of last year.
Of course, the question then needs to be asked – how much would Ferguson improve Arsenal right now?
Although it seemed unlikely in recent months, Jesus’ return to form has lessened the need for a striker immediately in north London, perhaps stressing that a new winger would be better suited.
For example, Arsenal can afford Nico Williams this month, even if it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard would be interested in a switch.
But it’s currently hard to conclude that Ferguson would immediately improve this Arsenal squad based on recent history.