‘They will sell’ - Ian Wright issues verdict on player Arsenal are ‘discussing’ ahead of next summer

Ian Wright has issued a glowing verdict of one of Arsenal’s reported targets for next summer.

Arsenal spent more than £200million this summer in a bid to improve their squad and to catch up with Manchester City. Jurrien Timber, David Raya, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz all signed up to Mikel Arteta’s project, but the Gunners opeted against signing a new striker, even if Havertz can occupy that role if needed.

Next summer may be very different, and Brighton star Evan Ferguson has been linked, with Football Transfers claiming the 18-year-old is already being discussed among other possible targets.

Ferguson scored a hat-trick for Brighton as they made easy work of Newcastle United over the weekend, and many are already getting excited about the Irishman’s trajectory.

“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace,” said Arsenal legend Wright on Premier League Productions.

“He has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. You can’t find that guy to come around, who is 18, in the Premier League and at the perfect club to continue to grow.

“They aren’t going to be able to hold onto that guy if he carries on doing what he is doing. He is too good. So intelligent – for 18, it’s really, really composed finishing.

“He is fearless at 18. Can you imagine being in the Premier League at 18? You’re not under the pressure you would be under like Garnacho would be under at Manchester United – you watch the way he plays, all the top teams, the top six teams. He can play in any of those teams. We know Brighton, at some stage, they will sell him.”

Arsenal would have to pay a huge fee to land Ferguson next summer, providing he keeps up his good form, but much will depend on just that. Manchester City have also been credited with an interest with the player likely to be in demand in 12 months.