Mikel Arteta comments don’t bode well for Evan Ferguson to Arsenal move

"Signing somebody is not enough, that is for sure."

Reports over the last few months have detailed interest from the likes of Fulham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and even Juventus.

The latest club to be linked with Brighton's out-of-favour Irishman - reported by talkSPORT - are title-challengers Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has only started two games this season for Fabian Hurzeler's Seagulls, with the Meath man in dire need of game time.

And while the Brighton boss initially talked down rumours of a January loan move, his recent comments have been more favourable.

He said: "At first, I think he needs to get back on the pitch.

"The rumours, I won’t discuss them in public.

"I think it’s very important the player knows our idea, that we know the idea from the player and then it’s most important to be honest with each other, to find the right solution for the club and in the end also for the player.

"I’m really happy that Evan is in our squad and I’m hoping that he will be back on the pitch as soon as possible."

However, while Arsenal have been linked to the striker, Mikel Arteta has poured cold water on the rumours that his Gunners side will be signing a forward this month.

He said: "Signing somebody is not enough, that is for sure. That signing has to score then how many goals? A lot of things have to happen. Sign, and then score 20 goals from here until the end (of the season). And then you have a better chance? Maybe, yes, I don't know.

"But I am very happy with the players we have and when you look at the amount of goals that we have scored, too, it is more than enough to win the Premier League.

"But the reality is somebody is doing more. And that is life, so we have to do better. If something extraordinary is on the market that we can afford, and we think they will have a real impact on the team, we have to be open for that possibility always. But at the moment, the focus is on what we have."