Joe Cole has encouraged Brighton’s Evan Ferguson to reject Arsenal’s transfer interest and opt for a January move to West Ham instead.
The Telegraph reports that Brighton is open to loaning out the £60m-rated Republic of Ireland international this month.
Arsenal has shown interest, but Cole believes West Ham would be a better choice for the striker, especially with their urgent need for reinforcements following Niclas Fullkrug’s injury.
Appearing on The Dressing Room podcast alongside Carlton Cole and Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole discussed Ferguson’s options. Bridge questioned if West Ham could outbid Arsenal, to which Cole responded:
“If I’m his agent, I’m telling him to go to West Ham. He needs games, and he’s not breaking into the Brighton team right now. West Ham can give him those opportunities.”
Ferguson, who has missed Brighton’s last three Premier League matches due to an ankle injury, is reportedly eager for more minutes.
Despite his fitness struggles, he faces stiff competition at Brighton under manager Fabian Hurzeler, with several players ahead of him in the squad hierarchy.
The 20-year-old has already scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 79 appearances for Brighton. With West Ham’s current attacking options—Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio—all sidelined, Ferguson could walk straight into their starting lineup, making the move an enticing prospect for the young forward.