West Ham have received huge encouragement in their bid to sign a striker but Arsenal could wreck their chances.
It’s no secret that London rivals West Ham and Arsenal are both on the hunt for a new forward in the January transfer window.
Many fans and observers of the Hammers and Gunners felt both clubs dropped the ball but not signing an additional striker in the summer window.
Now long-term injuries are proving that criticism correct.
Arsenal have lost Gabriel Jesus to an ACL injury and Bukayo Saka for two to three months as well.
Meanwhile West Ham have lost Michail Antonio to a broken leg following his car crash, Jarrod Bowen to a broken foot and Niclas Fullkrug for three months due to a serious hamstring injury.
Both the Irons and Gunners are in desperate need of a new forward for different reasons.
But Arsenal’s desperation is arguably much greater given what is potentially at stake for Mikel Arteta’s side compared to the Hammers.
Unless Graham Potter can oversee a miraculous turnaround in form, West Ham are too far adrift to challenge for the European spots.
Out of both cup and with no European football this season, the rest of the campaign will be used by Potter to implement his style and ideas while identifying who he wants to keep and sell and where he wants West Ham to strengthen.
West Ham get striker boost but Arsenal lurk
Arsenal meanwhile are chasing down Liverpool in a bid to challenge for the Premier League title and are still in the Champions League.
Although they face a mountain to climb to make the League Cup final after losing the first leg of their semi-final against Newcastle 2-0 at home.
Arteta has once again confirmed Arsenal are actively looking to sign a striker this month.
The Hammers have confirmed their intention to do the same.
Now West Ham have received a striker boost as a manager admits his star could leave but Arsenal are lurking.
Both West Ham and Arsenal have been heavily linked with Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
West Ham confirmed their interest in Ferguson recently but stated a deal looked unlikely as he was currently injured.
That seemed to put Arsenal off too as Arteta’s side have since been linked with other forwards such as Aleksander Isak and Benjamin Sesko.
There have also been conflicting claims over whether Brighton will let Ferguson, who has slipped down the pecking order at the Amex, leave in January.
Boss admits star wanted by Hammers and Gunners could leave
Ferguson is close with Irish legend Liam Brady, who started his career at Arsenal and ended it at West Ham.
Now it seems Ferguson could follow in the legend’s path by signing for one of the clubs he represented.
Because Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has broken his silence on Ferguson’s future.
And while it’s potentially great news for the Hammers, it seems to have reignited Arsenal’s interest too.
Hurzeler, who was a target for West Ham before they appointed Julen Lopetegui as the ‘safe option’ in the summer, has admitted Ferguson leaving may be helpful for the 20-year-old.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said, as reported by the likes of The Mirror.
“This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club…
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt…
“When they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful.”
Hurzeler also said he was not worried about strengthening a rival such as Arsenal or West Ham, saying he only cares about the player.
“I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it’s more about what is best for the player,” he added.
Earlier this month it was suggested West Ham held the trump card over Arsenal for Ferguson.
Because, it was claimed, the Gunners only wanted a straight loan whereas West Ham were willing to do a deal more to Brighton’s liking by including an option or obligation to buy.
