Bryan Mbeumo favours a move to Manchester United over the alternatives, seemingly ruling Arsenal out of the race for his signature.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and West Ham United FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Bryan Mbeumo has decided he wants to join Manchester United, prompting the club to open talks with Brentford over a summer transfer.
Mbeumo is about to enter the final year of his contract, though Brentford have an option to extend it to 2027. As well as United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are all interested in the winger as well.
But with Mbeumo opting for a move to Manchester, Arsenal are seemingly out of the running now.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Yoane Wissa of Brentford celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal with team mate Bryan Mbeumo during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brentford FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Even if talks between Brentford and Manchester United fall through and Mbeumo decides he’s open to a move to Arsenal instead, it’s still not going to be an easy deal to do.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank recently told the media that Mbeumo would be an expensive signing for any buying club, saying: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.
“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Thomas Frank, Manager of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Brentford FC at Amex Stadium on December 27, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
If Mbeumo played on the left, Arsenal may well be willing to throw serious amounts of money at a deal. But as it is, he’d be competing with Bukayo Saka on the right, arguably the team’s best player.
Arsenal should have some financial flexibility to make forward signings this summer, but it’s unclear if they’ll seriously consider spending big on a backup.
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