With the summer transfer window set to expire on Friday, it is natural that Manchester City’s reported search for an understudy to Erling Haaland will dominate the headlines.
It was claimed last week that City were exploring a move for Kyogo Furuhashi — with personal terms not considered a potential hindrance due to his desire to accept the transfer.
However, it was also reported on Tuesday that Manchester City seem unlikely to sign Furuhashi as well as Orri Oskarsson this summer.
The report also stated that Pep Guardiola and the City bosses are satisfied with the squad — despite the club yet to replace Julian Alvarez — who signed for Atletico Madrid.
But top clubs always seem to be open to making signings if the right opportunity presents itself — as demonstrated by City’s decision to sign Manuel Akanji on deadline day in the summer of 2022.
As a result, it might be premature to rule out the Premier League winners’ desire to bring in another number nine.
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Report shares Man City and Evan Ferguson transfer claim
However, nowadays, there seems to be a dearth of top-quality strikers in the market.
During the previous decade, for instance, the Sky Blues had not just Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez but also Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli on their books.
Later on, City were able to sign Alvaro Negredo and even Stefan Jovetic.
However, a report by Football Transfers has stated that Manchester City are ready to submit a bid for a potential future star in Evan Ferguson.
Arsenal are also believed to be tracking the 19-year-old alongside the league leaders while Brentford view him as the successor to the exit-linked Ivan Toney.
Brighton & Hove Albion value the youngster at £70 million, who signed a long-term contract with the club until 2029 last summer.
However, both Manchester City and Arsenal would rather sign Ferguson on a season-long loan deal before discussing the price tag with Brighton after the campaign comes to an end.
Last year, former Seagulls midfielder Alexis Mac Allister hailed the highly-rated goalscorer as an “amazing player” via BBC Sport.
The now-Liverpool technician trained and played alongside him for Brighton and as a result, he has a clear idea of the level of talent he possesses.
Evan Ferguson would be an unreal signing but the price could be an issue
While it is hard to disagree with Mac Allister about how talented Ferguson is and he could elevate his game to unseen heights in a Manchester City shirt, the price tag could be a hindrance.
If Brighton refuse to sell the Irishman for a fee lower than £70 million, it would not emerge as a surprise if City pull out of a potential deal.
Ultimately, Ferguson would be expected to serve as a backup striker to Haaland.
As brilliant as the youngster is, £70 million is far too steep a fee to pay for a potential second-choice number nine.
It will be interesting to see whether City step up their interest in Ferguson and in such an instance, whether both clubs can agree a deal.
