Didi Hamann says title challengers are missing a player like Evan Ferguson

"He needs to join a team in which he is certain to play."

Didi Hamann has said that Arsenal are missing a player like Evan Ferguson but warned the Republic of Ireland striker against a move to the Emirates.

Ferguson looks set to leave Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window in search of more first-team football.

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Seagulls in the Premier League this season and scored once.

Ferguson, however, has started only two of those games. He has played just 220 minutes in total for Fabian Hurzeler's team in the division this season.

West Ham United, Fulham, and Arsenal are all reportedly interested in signing the 20-year-old, who missed most of 2024 with an ankle injury.

The Gunners are also in the market for a centre-forward after losing Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending injury.

Hamann has said that Ferguson is exactly the type of player Arsenal currently need.

The former Liverpool midfielder, however, believes that a transfer to the Emirates would not be the best move for Ferguson at this stage of his career, as he needs to prioritise playing first-team football.

"Evan Ferguson had an injury which kept him out for a long time, which certainly didn't help but he's a hugely talented player and he's got to be playing games now," Hamann told BestOffShoreSportsbooks.org.

"I think he’s at a stage now that coming on for 10 or 15 minutes is simply not enough.

"I think there are a lot of teams, including German teams, who will probably look at him as a potential signing.

"He is a fantastic player who holds up the ball well and is very intelligent in his play. He holds up the ball and is a very good finisher.

"Sometimes managers just don’t fancy some players as much as others and that looks to be happening at Brighton.

"It seems as though Fabian Hurzeler isn’t keen on him because he hasn’t made much of an effort to give him game time and get him into the side, so a loan might be best.

"He has been linked with a loan to Liverpool but would he definitely play?

"I think Arsenal are lacking a player like Ferguson but sitting on the bench would do him no good. He needs to join a team in which he is certain to play."

Hamann also said that Ferguson's lack of playing time at club level will ultimately hinder the Ireland team.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side face a Uefa Nations League play-off against Bulgaria in March, ahead of a World Cup qualification campaign that starts next September.

Hamann believes that Ferguson must find a club where will play regularly.

"Ferguson’s lack of game time is harming the Republic of Ireland national team because he needs to have a rhythm. Regardless of your age," the former Germany midfielder said.

"His confidence cannot be high when you are sitting on the bench and he needs to make a decision with what he wants to do next.

"It’s not up to the Irish FA but I’m sure they would be happy to see him go elsewhere and have an influence, it would help the nation."

Ferguson has scored 19 goals in 79 games for Brighton and is one of only four players to have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League as a teenager.

He has scored four goals in 18 appearances for Ireland.