Despite signing a new five-year deal for Brighton in November, Chelsea are eyeing Evan Ferguson as a summer target and they’re willing to spend big to ensure they sign the 19-year-old star.
Why do Chelsea want Ferguson?
Ferguson has become a young star for Brighton. In his breakout season last year, he contributed 10 G/A. So far this season he has six goals and some of his finishes have been compared to Alan Shearer.
The catch is for Chelsea that the contract Ferguson recently signed means they’ll have to spend more than they would’ve liked to. Brighton believe he is worth more than the £115m British record fee they got for Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea have been conned by Brighton in the past as they got caught spending big for Marc Cucurella and Caicedo. Both have been a disappointment for the club. Would Ferguson be the answer to their goalscoring problems?
Tottenham and Manchester United both had Ferguson as a possible target in the summer but neither club acted on it.
Other Chelsea striker targets
Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have been linked with Chelsea. Whilst their fees would be less expensive than Ferguson’s, their wages wouldn’t. Both strikers would be demanding a lot from Chelsea’s wage structure. This would make Ferguson the cheaper option.
Osimhen and Toney would be less of a risk given their age and experience but it’ll give Todd Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino something to think about.
Chelsea’s current strikers
Nicolas Jackson has scored more than Ferguson but he hasn’t pleased the Chelsea faithful as he should have more goals than he does. Jackson has often embarrassed Chelsea with his poor finishing and attitude. Jackson has eight yellow cards – most of them have been for dissent.
Christopher Nkunku has shown promise since his return from injury. He joined Chelsea in the summer but he only made his debut last month. Time will tell if he’s what Chelsea need.
The Blues sit 10th which is pretty awful for them. They need to be back in Europe so they can afford to spend big in the summer and without Europe, not many players will see Chelsea as an attractive prospect. They’ve spent £1bn since 2022, which the FA are looking at and a punishment could be heading Chelsea’s way if they’re convicted of breaking FFP rules. Everton were given a 10-point deduction which is the last thing Chelsea need in their battle for Europe.
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