Exclusive claims Chelsea back in chase for £40m forward with one goal since 2023 | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has just taken a press conference where he told Chelsea fans to “expect players arriving” before the transfer window closes on Monday night, and almost at the same moment a well sourced new rumour about a striker popped up.

We’ve heard plenty of talk about Evan Ferguson over the last couple of years, but it really died away as his struggle to score goals and get into the Brighton team increased. But with the Seagulls now open to a sale or loan, and Chelsea desperate for an alternative to Nicolas Jackson, who has gone 7 games without scoring, a move could be back on.

Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian is reporting that the Blues are right back in the race for Ferguson, although “it is unclear if Chelsea… want a loan or permanent deal.”

There are other connections noted – controversial Chelsea transfer supremo Paul Winstanley was at Brighton with Ferguson before, and the sporting director has brought in numerous players and staff members from his old club already.

Chelsea have to believe they can unlock Ferguson’s potential after fall from grace

Evan Ferguson playing for Brighton.

Ferguson’s fall from grace has been quite incredible, but there’s a reason that Brighton still value him at £40m despite him only having scored one goal this season. The tools are all there, and there will still be tons of teams out there believing they’re the ones to get the most out of him. Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal are mentioned as being in the mix.

We can see how it would look ridiculous – replacing a player with no goals in 7 games with one who has 1 goal since November 2023. But this is also how great opportunities come along. If our scouts really believe in his potential, it could certainly be worth a punt, especially on loan.