Bryan Mbeumo to Arsenal transfer stance as Bukayo Saka replacement chance emerges
Arsenal want to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, it has been claimed. The 25-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for the Gunners after impressing in the Premier League.
Mbeumo, who arrived at Brentford for a then club record £5.8million from Troyes in 2019, has been crucial during their rise from the Championship to cementing a regular place in the top flight. The Cameroonian has been a consistent performer over the last couple of years, but is on course to have most productive season of his career, having already scored 11 goals in 22 matches this term.
His latest strike came in Brentford's 3-1 defeat against Arsenal on New Year's Day. Mbeumo scored the opener, jinking on to his favoured left foot before firing beyond former teammate David Raya.
READ MORE: Tyler Dibling sparks Arsenal transfer demand with Brentford message amid £21m Man United offer
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli fires Bukayo Saka transfer replacement message as Arsenal plan explained
Mbeumo's form has sparked rumours of a potential exit from Brentford in January. Arsenal are among those interested in the attacker, who has 18 months left on his contract in west London.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have 'pieced together detailed scouting reports' on Mbeumo and have identified him as one of their top targets to fill the void left by Bukayo Saka's absence. However, Brentford are so keen to keep their talisman and have raised their valuation to towards the £50million mark - a fee that could prove to be too steep for the Gunners in the winter transfer window.
Bees boss Thomas Frank is concerned that losing Mbeumo could derail their season, and it has resulted in them standing firm and resisting offers despite his contract running down.
It's understood Mbeumo emerged onto Arsenal's radar when they went to watch him in 2024 and he is someone the Gunners can see slotting straight into their team and pushing the injured Saka for a starting spot when he is fit.
After Brentford's defeat to Arsenal, Frank provided an update on Mbeumo's future. "Bryan Mbuemo was really good and I was really pleased with that," he told TNT Sports. "For me he shouldn’t be a problem to hold."