Arteta wants more quality up topArteta wants more quality up top
Arteta wants more quality up top | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The 2024/25 season was ultimately one of missed opportunity for Arsenal. To call it a failure may be harsh given that the club finished second in the Premier League and came agonisingly close to matching Champions League winners PSG in the semi-finals. But after several years of building, trophies and success are demanded of Mikel Arteta and he has yet to deliver on these demands.
Particular criticism has come in from fans over the last couple of seasons for the club’s failure to sign a recognised striker in the transfer market, and these concerns were heightened for all to see when injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus meant Arsenal were forced to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as a make-shift number nine.
The side’s reliance on Bukayo Saka for creativity and goal contributions was also painfully obvious when the England ace was side-lined for a number of weeks, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard unable to match Saka’s influence on the team in his absence. Reinforcements across the front line will be demanded this summer, and if Arsenal want to win major trophies then the board should listen.
Arsenal interested in Bryan Mbeumo
One player who would surely improve the forward line of anyone in the Premier League this summer is Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international has been linked with several clubs, including the Gunners. Fabrizio Romano has given fresh updates on the situation involving the Brentford ace.
He said on his YouTube channel: “Manchester United have several players they appreciate. Let me clarify once again that Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford is a player they like. So for sure, he remains on the 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's going to happen there for Bryan Mbeumo. But for sure, an interesting situation to follow.”
Why Bryan Mbeumo could be a good fit at Arsenal
Mbeumo’s numbers in front of goal are not to be questioned. Boasting a record of 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 games for Brentford, the 25-year-old has reached new heights this season with an incredible 20-goal return in the Premier League. Mbeumo often carries Brentford on his back and could surely increase his numbers yet further with the service of Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Where he would feature for the Gunners could be the only question mark, as he is most comfortable on the right wing but is unlikely to displace Saka. Arteta could consider deploying Mbeumo across the front line, potentially even in the centre. His versatility could prove vital as the Gunners hope to challenge on all fronts.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank spoke to the BBC about Mbeumo’s quality earlier in the season after a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United.
“Bryan Mbeumo today? Unplayable,” said Frank. “I think his goal is fantastic, but look at his work-rate. It’s unbelievable. And then the way he also used his body to hold up all the small difficult balls, so we could keep playing - for example, the assist in the end to Kevin Schade. Very impressed with him.”