The door may have been opened for Arsenal to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton at long last, though that does not necessarily mean it is the best route to take.

The Seagulls are reportedly allowing the striker to depart on a permanent basis before the January window closes next Monday. The Gunners, as one of several clubs linked, could look to act.

Ferguson was once a 14-year-old debutant for Bohemians in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea, he was chased by Liverpool before Brighton landed his breakout signing, then he hit the Premier League with force.

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Three goals and two assists in his first five English top-flight outings, his maiden strike against Arsenal themselves. This was enough to put the top of the division on alert.

Brighton held out long enough to tie their talent down to a six-year deal in November 2023, and with it all hope gone of what was then touted to be £54m, based on Transfermarkt's valuation as of the month prior.

Fast-forward to the present day and Arsenal could wrap up the same deal for £37 based on the latest valuation - and with perfect reasoning.

Ferguson had started last season with another six goals in 12 outings, though fell foul of an ankle injury in April 2024 that prevented him from playing for six months.

By the time of his return, it was almost a year between Premier League goals.

Granted, Fabian Hurzeler has bountiful options in Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter but those three being further up the pecking order are not the sole reason Ferguson suffers a lack of minutes and therefore would be allowed to leave.

Even at a time where the need for a No.9 is most desperate, as is the cruel way with football the time when Ferguson would have been Arsenal's ideal signing appears to have passed.