Arsenal given huge Raheem Sterling decision after January transfer wildcard option emerges

Premier League rules mean clubs are only allowed two loan players per season. In the summer, Arsenal brought in Raheem Sterling and Neto from Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth on temporary deals.

Neither player has become a key starter in Mikel Arteta's team though. Sterling has spent more games on the bench for the Gunners, appearing just nine times while goalkeeper Neto is yet to play.

Sterling's loan move from London rivals Chelsea came about to improve Arteta's options in attack. However, he has scored just one goal - against Preston in the EFL Cup - and assisted two.

However, with the January transfer window approaching, Arsenal may find themselves with an unwanted decision to make. Reports this week have claimed that Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is available on loan after being unable to get game time under Fabian Hurzeler.

The Telegraph have claimed the 20-year-old will be allowed to depart in January on a temporary basis after falling behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in the pecking order. Valued at £60million, Ferguson has been linked with a big money move since bursting onto the scene.

Ferguson has plenty of promise and has shown his quality in glimpses. However, injuries and form have become growing frustrations for him. But with his services available in the winter window, the Gunners could be interested.

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Brighton aren't expected to let him leave on a permanent basis but there may be some wriggle room for Arsenal to seal a loan move with an option to bring him to the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis.

Much has been made of Arsenal's lack of a clinical striker for some time. The right profile, or deal, hasn't presented itself to Arteta but Ferguson may be the one they have been waiting for. However, for a deal to happen in January, the Gunners would have to consider terminating one of their two loan deals.

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