Arsenal have discussed the possibility of attempting to win the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo after underlying performance data has resulted in the Brentford star being firmly on the radar of recruitment chiefs at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the transfer window reopening for business, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Despite being eager to tie Thomas Partey down to a new contract, which would end the chances of the central midfielder leaving the north Londoners as a free agent in the coming weeks, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains determined to secure reinforcements after a season in which his side missed out on lifting silverware.
Andrea Berta will lead negotiations for potential arrivals, having been appointed as Arsenal's sporting director after he was identified as the outstanding candidate when the hierarchy went in search of Edu's successor, and the Italian could head across the capital to hold discussions over a deal for Mbeumo.
Gunners May Hand Mbeumo Fresh Challenge
North Londoners are firm admirers of Cameroon international
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford
Arsenal have an active interest in signing Mbeumo this summer, according to GMS sources, with his decision-making around the penalty area and his composure when firing goalwards earmarked as attractive traits when they have been seeking adequate cover for fan favourite Bukayo Saka.
The Cameroon international is preparing to enter the final 12 months of a contract which allows him to pocket £45,000-per-week, resulting in the Gunners sniffing an ideal opportunity to test Brentford's resolve, but it is still clear that he will not be available for a cut-price fee ahead of next season.
GMS sources have been informed that Mbeumo will head into the transfer window with a £60million price tag, with his current employers demanding a lucrative fee due to there being widespread interest after finding the back of the net 19 times in all competitions this term, and Arsenal have had him on their radar for a prolonged period.
Bryan Mbeumo's statistics for Brentford this season
The 25-year-old wide forward has been described as 'outstanding' by Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer of all-time, and the Gunners are desperate to ensure that they have improved alternative options to Saka after his long-term injury earlier in the campaign hampered their chances of winning the title.
Arsenal are particularly attracted to Mbeumo due to promising underlying performance data and his versatility, GMS sources have learned, as he is capable of being deployed through the middle if required despite his most effective position being on the right-hand side of the attack.
Arteta Could Face a Battle to Recruit Mbeumo
Domestic counterparts threatening to make offer for 25-year-old
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford
GMS sources have been told that Arsenal are in serious danger of being dragged into a tug-of-war for Mbeumo's signature if they choose to up the ante in their pursuit as domestic counterparts Manchester United, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are among additional admirers tempted to offer a route out of Brentford.
The Gunners are not planning to attempt to negotiate a deal which would see Raheem Sterling become a permanent member of their squad, meaning they will be left with fewer wide options when he returns to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell, and Arteta is eager to rectify that during the summer transfer window.
Although Arsenal have shifted their focus towards left-sided attackers and centre forwards, GMS sources understand that Mbeumo has been spoken about as a potential recruit behind the scenes as he is entering his prime and has shown steady improvement since first arriving in the Premier League.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the touchline Related
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Gunners are willing to hand Viktor Gyokeres a £240,000-per-week contract after the Sporting marksman has been earmarked as their preferred striker target, but they are also looking for additional creativity and firepower from the flanks as preparations are made for next term.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 19/05/2025
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