Arsenal have reportedly made a summer signing for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo transfer Shortlist as the Gunners look to strengthen in the wide forward areas.
Mbeumo has consistently impressed in the Premier League since Brentford’s promotion in 2021, but the Cameroon international has reached a new level in the 2024/25 season with 13 goals at halftime. Only Mohamed Salah (18) and Erling Haaland (16) have scored more goals.
Interest from top rivals is nothing new, with Liverpool and Newcastle United already linked with Mbeumo before the January window opened. But Bees boss Thomas Frank wished any suitor “good luck” in their attempts to poach the player and insisted “nothing will happen”.
Not now, but not ever, is how Arsenal seem to take it. Sky Sport Germany has reported that the Gunners are exploring a possible approach in the summer instead.
The 25-year-old striker only has a contract at Brentford until 2026, meaning he is already in the final 18 months of that contract and would likely have to turn down a bigger club to sign a new one.
Brentford have not typically been picked for their best players in recent seasons. David Raya, who joined Arsenal on loan for £27m before his final transfer, is perhaps the biggest exception. Ivan Toney left the club last summer but the striker had just had an underwhelming season and his contract was expiring – but Brentford still managed to secure a £40m transfer fee from Al Ahli.
Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan this season without getting any benefit from it. Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri both suffered injuries in recent weeks, highlighting the need for additional strength in these forward positions.