New club enters race to sign Bryan Mbeumo as Arsenal handed new transfer challenge
Arsenal will face competition from Manchester United for the signing of Bryan Mbeumo.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Brentford's main man as they look to bolster their attacking option. But any move for Mbeumo is likely to come in the summer, rather than the current January transfer window.
Mbeumo has 13 goals and three assists in 20 Premier League matches for the Bees this season, outscoring everyone in the league bar Erling Haaland an Mohamed Salah.
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football.london understands that Arsenal are unlikely to make big waves in the January transfer window and have instead turned their attentions to making plans for the summer.
Manager Mikel Arteta said last week: "If something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we'll have to consider it."
Mbeumo does not fall into that category. The Cameroonian has a contract at the Gtech Community Stadium until 2026, meaning next summer will be key for his future.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: "In January? I would say good luck. We love Bryan. He loves playing here. He has had a fantastic season so nothing will happen."
Arsenal will not be the only ones in the market for Mbeumo come next summer, though, particularly if his impressive scoring run continues until the end of the campaign.
Manchester United are reported to be keen on making a move in the summer to bolster their attacking options under Ruben Amorim. The one thing that could work in Arsenal's favour is that United may well have to sell before they can buy as the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules hang over them.
Marcus Rashford's future is in doubt, with the player's representatives holding talks with AC Milan this week and Tottenham also reported to hold an interest in signing the England man on loan.