Andrea Berta is determined to improve the attacking options available to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal next season.
Since he arrived at Arsenal in 2019, Arteta has only signed two strikers — Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and the latter was arguably intended to come in as a number eight anyway.
The Gunners will buy a striker this summer, and Arsenal have an agreement with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, even if a deal between the clubs is yet to be negotiated.
Of course, new sporting director Berta has also recognised the need to recruit a top-level winger at Arsenal this summer, an upgrade on their current options out wide.
Arsenal want to give Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli new contracts, but that won’t interfere with a new wide player coming in.
Arsenal interested in signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford
That being said, Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed recent reports linking Arsenal with a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo has just enjoyed an outstanding season under Thomas Frank, and Arsenal have been tentatively linked with the 25-year-old.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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But speaking on his ‘Here We Go’ podcast, Romano confirmed that Arsenal were closely monitoring the versatile attacker, alongside Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Romano was initially following up on the confirmation of Matheus Cunha’s move to Old Trafford, explaining that United were still in for Mbeumo too, someone they might potentially need to compete with Arsenal for.
He said: “Romano said: “Let me clarify once again that Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford is a player they like.
“So for sure he remains on their list, but they know that they are not alone, there are several clubs interested — Newcastle, Arsenal, many clubs.
“So let me say that Man United, Newcastle, Arsenal are all clubs monitoring the player. Let’s see what is going to happen there for Bryan Mbeumo.”
Thierry Henry has been stunned by Bryan Mbeumo’s progress
Of course, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has perhaps already explained why Mbeumo would be a good signing for the Gunners.
Perhaps it’s an issue that Mbeumo’s favoured position is currently occupied by Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, but he’s still a player who would improve Arteta’s attacking output no end.
Speaking on Sky Sports back in February, Henry said: “Yes he is [a gem], and I like the way he has evolved as a player and obviously I know him from before, he used to play for the [France] under-21 team before changing nationality but I like the way he goes about it.
“I like the way he finishes, the way he asks for the ball in behind, he can press very well, he has an eye for a pass also – I think he’s a very good player.
“I don’t know how long he’s going to stay at Brentford – sorry I don’t want to…, but you can see how some teams can be interested in him at the end of the season.”
Mbeumo will cost around £60m this summer, a fairly reasonable sum given his performances last season.
In terms of other wingers linked to the Emirates, Arsenal are keen to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid, but it remains to be seen if the Brazilian will leave following Xabi Alonso’s arrival.