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Newcastle United have conducted a scouting mission to assess Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, according to a report from 90min.

Which strikers are Newcastle United targeting this summer?

Newcastle have recently discovered they will need to fork out €120m (£105m) if they wish to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos this summer, with the Portugal international tripling in value since the beginning of the season. In stark contrast to the huge amount it would take to bring Ramos to St. James' Park, Marcus Thuram will be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, and it has recently been reported that talks have already been held about a summer switch.

A report from Tutto Atalanta has also detailed the Magpies are one of the clubs in the race for Rasmus Hojlund, with Napoli and AC Milan headlining the interest from Italy, while fellow Premier League side Arsenal are willing to spend £44m to win the race for his signature.

As per 90min, Newcastle are one of the teams to have scouted Ferguson in recent weeks, although there may be competition for his signature this summer, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all considering moves. However, despite the level of interest in the forward, there is seemingly a decent chance he remains at Brighton for the foreseeable future, as he is said to be in no hurry to leave, and is in line for a new contract.

Will Evan Ferguson leave Brighton this summer?

Even though the 18-year-old is set for a huge increase on his £3k-per-week wages, it will surely be hard to resist a move this summer, given that some of Europe's top clubs are monitoring his availability.

Hailed as being the "complete package" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the marksman has fired home eight goals in 19 senior games this season, a stellar effort in what has been a real breakthrough season for the teenager, and he is only going to get better.

The Irishman also impressed on international duty recently, scoring his first goal for his country in a 3-2 victory against Latvia, which is great experience to have at such a young age.

Alexander Isak's return has been a welcome boost for Eddie Howe, with the Sweden international scoring three goals in his last two Premier League games, and Ferguson could be his perfect long-term strike partner.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has personally targeted RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte.

The Lowdown: Laporte benched…

Part of life as a player under Guardiola is growing accustomed to his ever-rotating starting eleven, with previously untouchable stars not exempt.

Laporte has played a significant role in City title challenges, most recently usurping John Stones as the main partner to Ruben Dias last season.

The Spaniard has been praised for his performances at Eastlands, having made over 170 appearances for the club whilst playing a hand in 11 major trophies (Transfermarkt).

However, this season Guardiola has largely experimented with City’s back four/back three – chopping and changing with the likes of Manuel Akanji seeing plenty of minutes.

The Latest: Man City eye Gvardiol…

As such, Laporte is now believed to be unhappy with his game time and prepared to leave Manchester.

This is according to Foot Mercato, who also claim City have already identified the 28-year-old’s replacement.

It is believed Guardiola has personally targeted RB Leipzig star Gvardiol as Laporte’s heir with City marking him out as a key transfer target.

City even lodged a £96 million-plus-bonuses ‘offer’ to Leipzig in January but no agreement was reached.

Gvardiol, after this failed attempt, remains a summer ‘priority’ for the Blues.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Called a ‘sensational’ defender by members of the press, Gvardiol absolutely dazzled for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – further raising his stock as one of football’s most promising young central defenders.

City supporters will remember the 21-year-old for his goal against them in the Champions League recently.

Indeed, Gvardiol buried an equalising header in their last 16 tie against Leipzig with the first leg finishing 1-1.

The Croatian is set to face off against Guardiola’s side at the Etihad this month, a match which may well act as another audition for the player.

Gvardiol may certainly be worth the effort to obtain going by his growing reputation, not to mention Guardiola’s alleged fondness.

Arsenal are one of the most famous clubs in world football, with the Arsene Wenger era, in particular, helping to significantly boost their popularity. During the Frenchman’s best years, the Gunners ticked every box. They had the best players, won the greatest domestic honours, as well as very nearly winning Europe’s top prize. On top of that, however, and perhaps most importantly, they played the most attractive football – a type of football that revolutionised the English game.

The fact is, when pulling on the famous shirt, a player’s popularity and stock price would rise at an incredible rate. Of course, nowadays, the effect is slightly lessened by Arsenal’s struggles on the pitch, but Mikel Arteta’s team are doing their best to overcome that, as they continue to lead the Premier League. 

With that said, we’ve ranked the 10 most famous players in Arsenal history.

10) Paul Merson 

Now working as a pundit, Paul Merson’s fame has increased significantly since retirement, but that does not mean it wasn’t a factor in his playing days, as one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players.

In total, he made 376 appearances for The Gunners, scoring 87 goals, and assisting a further 28. Meanwhile, when it came to trophies, Merson was not left short of success, winning two league titles, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and one League Cup.

He continues to be in the spotlight too, regularly featuring for Sky as they build up to the biggest games, most recently being seen in the studio analysing the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

A truly underrated player who may well have gone on too long, instead of retiring at his very best.

9) Robert Pires 

As part of the Arsenal Invincibles, Robert Pires was as famous as he was magic on the football pitch, as he played a vital role under Wenger. he won Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2001/02, as he recorded 24 goal involvements in the Premier League in what was an incredible campaign.

He is now seen as one of the most elegant left wingers there has ever been during his time at Arsenal.

Throughout his time with the club, he scored goals, provided assists, and twisted the blood of every full-back he came up against.

Now a FIFA 23 Icon, he’s being introduced to an entire generation of new fans.

8) Lee Dixon 

Like Merson, Lee Dixon’s fame has increased since his playing days, with his work as a pundit and as a commentator on video game, FIFA, inflating his popularity.

As a player, the former right-back made 567 appearances for Arsenal, and even managed a total of 26 goals for the Gunners.

Dixon ended his career with four league titles to his name – two First Division titles and two Premier League titles – as well as three FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

With a trophy cabinet as heaving as that, we can’t ignore him here.

7) Martin Keown 

Continuing the theme of pundits, Martin Keown has been a constant feature on the likes of BT Sport and BBC over the years, as he continues to offer his expert opinion.

As a player, he was famous for being a hard hitting defender, as he helped Arsenal become invincible in 2004 to win the Premier League title.

He was the guaranteed starter in the backline as Arsenal were hoovering up trophies left, right, and centre.

He remains the example for new Arsenal defenders to follow.

6) David Seaman 

One of the greatest England goalkeepers of all time, David Seaman had incredible success at Arsenal and, with that, came the fame of being the Gunners’ shot-stopper.

In total, he kept 218 clean sheets for the club, and won three league titles, four FA Cups, three Community Shields, and one League Cup in what was an incredibly successful spell.

It helps that Seaman was also England’s No.1 for a prolonged period, playing for his country at a variety of major tournaments, including the World Cup.

He’s consistently seen on British television screens, both as a pundit and as a personality in different reality shows.

5) Ashley Cole 

Unlike several British actors, Ashley Cole managed to actually make it in America, which added to his already impressive fame after his trophy-filled Premier League career.

He is arguably the greatest left-back that English football has ever seen, with incredible spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea, where he won a combined total of three Premier League titles. 

Cole was also a truly elite international left-back, playing for England at a variety of major tournaments, as a member of the Golden Generation.

After leaving for Chelsea, he left a gaping hole in the Arsenal squad.

4) Dennis Bergkamp 

When we think of Dennis Bergkamp, we instantly think of THAT goal against Newcastle United. To this day, we haven’t seen that flick attempted with success again.

That goal alone has added increased fame to his name, as many associate Bergkamp with that piece of sheer genius. Simply put, he is one of the greatest players to ever play for Arsenal.

Indeed, he ended his career with 416 appearances for the Gunners, with 115 goals and 95 assists.

That’s a stunning record for a player who allied technical skill with a truly deadly eye for goal.

3) Patrick Vieira 

One of the only players who dared to stand face to face with Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira’s rivalry with his Manchester United counterpart almost summed him up as a player.

He had that necessary fire in the earlier days of the Premier League, whilst also possessing that technical elegance.

Now the Crystal Palace manager, where he is having great success, Vieira is one of the most famous players associated with Arsenal.

Just look at his trophy cabinet: he won Serie A with AC Milan before moving to the Gunners, where he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. After leaving, he won Serie A four more times with Inter Milan, as well as an FA Cup with Manchester City.

Oh, and he also won the World Cup and the European Championship with France. As you do.

2) Ian Wright 

Ian Wright Wright Wright may have been a late arrival to top flight football, but when he arrived, he did not waste his opportunity.

By the time he called it a day on his playing career, Wright had scored 113 Premier League goals to put him 22nd in the all time list. Now one of the best pundits around, Wright’s popularity is almost unrivalled.

At the highest level, he had real pace, technique and intensity, and was able to power the Gunners to unprecedented success.

Is it strange to say that he may well be underrated? Because he may well be underrated.

1) Thierry Henry 

Thierry Henry has that certain aura about him that only so many footballers have; an aura where even those who don’t necessarily passionately follow football know about his greatness.

He is one of the best players in football history, and the greatest player in Arsenal’s history. And, with that, comes incredible popularity and fame.

Now a pundit covering the Premier League and the Champions League, Henry won pretty much everything, and his departure from Arsenal, to join Barcelona, remains one of the most devastating transfers the Gunners have ever sanctioned.

After all, how do you replace Thierry Henry?

So, there you have it, our list of Arsenal’s most famous players of all time. Do you agree with our list? Or do you feel as though we’ve missed some players out? Let us know in the comments!

Fame and popularity has been earned by the aforementioned players, and seems to have gone hand in hand with success. Arsenal’s current crop of players, some of which are already extremely popular amongst fans, will be hoping to win the same honours and earn similar fame in the North London club’s history. 

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Yosuke Ideguchi may have played his last game for the club.

What’s the word?

The midfielder joined the Bhoys in January 2022, but has made just six appearances in that time, and recently completed a loan move to Avispa Fukuoka in Japan.

It seems that his time in Glasgow is up, and McAvennie thinks a summer move after his loan is now on the cards.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that he has gone on loan to try to drum up interest to gain a transfer fee in the summer, and that injuries stopped him developing well at the club.

He said: “Through the years, people have come in and they can’t hack it, the demand from the club. As soon as you walk in the front door at Celtic, you know that it is an institution. Some people can’t hack it.

“There are a lot of good players that have come in and haven’t done it then gone away and started playing well again.

“He got a few injuries and he just did not get back in. By the time he was fit, Ange had his team. It was just too late for him.

“Celtic would not get any money if they tried to sell him. If they put him on loan and he does well, they might get some money back for him. So hopefully that is what it is.”

Time is up

The former Leeds midfielder now looks set to leave permanently after his loan, even if he impresses during his spell, and it now seems that his time is up at the club.

The 26-year-old never got going at Parkhead and failed to make a single appearance in any competition this season.

He was on the bench three times following his injury issues, but was dropped from the matchday squad completely in October, and there looks to be no way back for him.

Celtic are well on their way to securing another league title after a stellar season under Ange Postecoglou, but Ideguchi will not receive a medal for this season and his future could be back in Japan with his current loan club.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe many have been left slightly concerned this morning after his options in midfield were reduced over last month’s transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Spirits will be high on Tyneside this week after the Magpies beat Southampton on Tuesday night to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup final.

However, the January transfer window only saw the Toon bring in two new faces across the month in Harrison Ashby and Anthony Gordon.

In addition, Howe also saw one of his veteran midfielders, Jonjo Shelvey, depart on deadline day in a deal seeing him move to Nottingham Forest.

And as a result, speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Craig Hope has suggested Howe may have been left slightly concerned with this being a “dangerous ploy” from the club:

“Eddie Howe went into the window wanting to add an extra midfielder. As it is, he hasn’t got a midfielder and he’s lost one. So I do think that is a dangerous ploy. You know, we’ve seen now with the Bruno suspension. I do think it leaves them short. I don’t think he’ll be happy about it.”

Leaving themselves short?

There is certainly some merit to Hope’s comments with the game on Tuesday night showing how this may become an issue in the final half of the Premier League campaign.

Howe will now be without his star man, Bruno Guimaraes, for three games in the league after the Brazilian was shown a straight red card against the Saints.

But there will be some comfort taken from the performance of Sean Longstaff in the game on Tyneside with the 25-year-old netting twice at St. James’ Park.

And the addition of Gordon will mean Howe will be able to revert Joelinton back into his central midfield role after the Brazilian has played frequently in the left-wing spot this season.

It must be noted, though, Newcastle have already played the majority of this season without Shelvey who departed on deadline day with the Englishman sitting out all but five games thus far.

But with Guimaraes now out for a handful of games, it does feel as if an injury in the midfield could prove a big issue for Howe going forward.

There were links to the likes of Sander Berge, however, Newcastle did not proceed to bring in any midfield additions so it will have to remain to be seen whether that is something that comes back to haunt them in the coming months.

Sunderland are currently sitting in 10th place in the Championship table after a 3-1 defeat to Swansea at the Stadium of Light in the division on Saturday.

The Black Cats are three points off the top six and a whopping 16 points off the automatic promotion places as it stands, which suggests that the play-offs are a realistic target for the club to set heading into the last 19 matches of the campaign.

Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman may now work together to strengthen the squad in the final two weeks of the January transfer window in order to improve their chances of sneaking into contention for promotion by the end of the season.

One player the club have been linked with an interest in is Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt. It was recently reported that the gem could be loaned out if the Premier League side signed Georginio Rutter and the Hoffenheim winger has since completed a move to Elland Road, which could open the door for Sunderland to swoop for the English youngster.

The Black Cats must attempt to snap up the former Wigan dynamo on loan until the end of the season as he has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as “one of the most talented” youngsters in England and dubbed the forward the “new Wayne Rooney”.

This is hefty praise for Gelhardt as Rooney racked up 53 goals for England alongside 208 goals and 114 assists in 491 Premier League appearances throughout his career.

Like the Manchester United legend, the 20-year-old Leeds forward predominantly plays as a centre-forward but can also play as a second striker with his build, as he is not a typical 6-foot plus number nine at 5-foot-10, suiting a deeper role.

Gelhardt has shown plenty of signs of promise since joining the Whites and his form at youth and senior level indicates that he could be Sunderland’s own mini-Rooney in the Championship.

The 20-year-old attacker scored 20 goals and provided six assists in 31 appearances for Leeds’ under-21 side and has showcased his talent in the first-team with two goals and six assists in six Premier League starts – making 35 appearances in total.

Gelhardt – who Kulig once hailed as being “too good” – could thrive by dropping down into the Championship as he has already shown that he can produce, in limited minutes, quality moments in the top flight.

Now, imagine him arriving at the Stadium of Light and making a huge impact by scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis up front alongside Ross Stewart as Mowbray’s own version of Rooney…

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has become the subject of ‘concrete’ interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Coutinho first out?

Philippe Coutinho could be set for a shock exit after being told by Unai Emery that he’s open to letting him leave, and after a remarkable tournament in Qatar, it looks like Martinez could follow him out the door in 2023.

The Argentine was recently crowned a World Cup winner after saving a penalty in the ultimate shootout which guaranteed his side the trophy, and his incredible display has already seen him attracting attention.

The Latest: United eyeing Martinez

According to Football Insider, United hold a ‘concrete’ interest in Martinez, with figures behind the scenes having been impressed by his ‘elite mentality’ shown in the Middle East.

The 6 foot 3 colossus is ‘highly rated’ by the Red Devils’ recruitment team, who have been ‘watching him closely’ ever since he first arrived at Villa Park.

Erik Ten Hag’s side are believed to be ‘assessing potential candidates’ to replace David De Gea, who will be out of contract at the end of the campaign.

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The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Martinez has had a huge impact in between the sticks over the past two-and-a-half years, and having been dubbed an ‘unsung hero’ by Josh Bunting, Villa need to do everything they can to keep hold of him.

The shot-stopper has recorded 30 clean sheets during his time in the Midlands, with four of those coming this season alone, and he is a real vocal leader from the back (Transfermarkt).

Emery has already previously worked with Martinez at Arsenal, so his arrival in the dugout could play a significant role in whether he decides to stay or not.

Aston Villa are looking to wash out the deadwood and fortify the ranks now that Unai Emery has assumed the role of head coach at the club, with the Spaniard eyeing some top talent from his former club.

Indeed, last week The Mirror reported that Arnaut Danjuma was one talent the Midlands outfit hold a vested interest in, with sights set on luring him to Villa Park and bolstering the offensive flanks.

Emery knows the player well, having signed him for his previous Spanish outfit, and could use his relationship with the Yellow Submarine and Danjuma to forge a worthy acquisition for the ambitious Claret and Blue.

Valued at €40m (£35m), Danjuma would be a welcome addition to the side having flourished at Villarreal since his move from AFC Bournemouth for £21.3m in August 2021, and could take the Premier League by storm with a second shot at success in England’s top-flight.

Emery’s next Di Maria

Originally a winger, the 25-year-old Danjuma has found success in Spain as his side’s centre-forward, finding a prolific edge to his game and consequently seeing his stock rise.

His market value rose from £22m to £43.8m after a resounding debut season that saw him score 16 goals and serve four assists across 34 appearances, before dropping to £30.7m this term after a slight decline in goal-scoring efficiency.

Still very much regarded an “exceptional talent” by the likes of EFL pundit Clinton Morrison, the six-cap Netherlands international has snatched five goals from 15 fixtures this term, despite Villarreal scoring just 15 leagues goals so far – the lowest of any team in the top-ten of the Spanish La Liga. 

And a move to Aston, to play under the wing of Emery once again, the manager who gifted the ace the most fruitful spell of his career, might prove to be a very good move indeed for all parties involved.

His exploits could leave him breeding similar success to that of World Cup winner Angel Di Maria, who scored 35 goals and assisted 27 more from 88 outings under the tutelage of the 51-year-old.

While Danjuma offers a more direct approach, it is likely that he would be deployed out wide by and large for Villa, should he join, allowing the likes of Danny Ings or Ollie Watkins to flourish in the centre-forward role, and he would need to utilise his creativity, blending it with his eye for the back of the net, to truly earn his place among the division’s finest talents.

As per Sofascore, in the 2020/21 EFL Championship season with the Cherries, the gem scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in a seasonal show that earned him the move to Spain, with his eight big chances created and 1.5 key passes per match channels that must be tapped into once more, giving him a dynamic sheen not too dissimilar to Di Maria.

Indeed, the Argentine showed those attributes in Qatar just this winter, scoring in the final as well as supplying two key passes per game.

Based on that, it would be quite the signing for Emery’s villains, bringing in a player he knows well and thus transforming his new side in the process.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has claimed that the English Premier League is a ‘massive draw’ for Jack Wylie.

The Lowdown: Wylie attracting interest

As per Football Insider, the Ibrox outfit are ‘pulling out all the stops’ to try and keep Wylie, who has ‘caught the eye’ of scouts from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

He is not eligible to sign professional forms with the Gers until he turns 16 in January, raising concerns that he could be lured away.

They do not want to lose another of their young stars to the English top-flight, having lost Billy Gilmour to Chelsea and Rory Wilson to Aston Villa in recent years respectively,

The Light Blues are ‘rolling out the red carpet’ to try and convince Wylie that it is best to continue his development at the club, but Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United are all thought to be interested in his signature.

The Latest: Premier League ‘massive draw’

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has claimed that the Premier League will be a ‘massive draw’ for Wylie, and admitted that it will be ‘difficult’ to keep hold of him:

“Of course it will be difficult. We have seen it in the past with other players that have moved down south at an early age. Rangers will be desperate to tie him down to a long-term deal.

“It is not for the first team at this moment in time but the potential is there to reach that level.

“The draw of going to one of the top leagues, playing with some of the best managers and players around, you feel that that could possibly be the helping hand you need to progress in your career.

“I hope that he signs with Rangers because the potential is there. He has a better chance of breaking into the first team there than going to Man United and things but the draw is massive. It is going to come down to where he sees his future.“

The Verdict: Good as gone

Unfortunately for Teddy Bears supporters, Wylie looks as good as gone with the Premier League interest lurking in the background.

Gilmour and Wilson have followed the same path to the English top flight at a young age, while a more senior player in Joe Aribo was persuaded by a move to Southampton in the summer transfer window.

Hailed as a ‘top talent’ and a ‘wonderkid’ by transfer expert and Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Wylie has a big future ahead of him at just 15 years of age, but it will be hard for Rangers to persuade him to stay put when a move to the Premier League beckons.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost regarding the fitness of Richarlison.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to SPURSPLAY following the 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, Antonio Conte revealed that, after missing Tottenham’s last six fixtures in all competitions as a result of a calf injury picked up against Everton back in October, the 25-year-old forward looked set for a return to first-team training on Monday.

Regarding the current condition of the Brazil international, the 53-year-old manager said: “Now we have Richarlison [on Monday], probably, probably, he could have a training session with us, so that’s also good news for us.”

Good news

Considering just how short of attacking options the injuries to Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min had left Conte in recent weeks, the Italian’s claim that the Brazilian is back in training with the first-team is undoubtedly good news for all involved with the club – especially following Kulusevski’s return to action on Sunday.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League appearances – only four of which have come as starts – following his £60m move to Spurs this summer, Richarlison has highly impressed, providing his teammates three assists and creating one big chance, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.4 dribbles per game.

The £61m-rated talent has also caught the eye over his four fixtures in the Champions League this season, bagging two goals and creating one big chance for his side, in addition to taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £90k-per-week attacker average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Tottenham’s third-best player in Europe’s most prestigious club competition this term.

As such, with a tricky away trip to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup followed by an even more challenging meeting with an in-form Leeds United coming up for Spurs this week, it is clear to see that the return of Richarlison will come as a big boost to Tottenham heading into the World Cup break – something Conte will be desperate for following the Liverpool loss last weekend.