Arsenal's recruitment drive is becoming more interesting by the day, with news coming to light on their attempts to sign a highly-rated forward for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal targeting new striker and winger this summer
The Premier League title eluded Arteta by a seismic distance last term, and sporting director Andrea Berta is working to back the Spaniard with new signings to reinforce the squad ahead of a more hopeful challenge next season.
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[Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-transfers-andrea-berta-benjamin-sesko-update/ "Arsenal talks could advance in "next few days" as Berta eyes £59m signing")
The Gunners have been in contact this week.
The reasons behind Arsenal's failed title bid come down to injuries and a lack of potency in the final third, with a plethora of key first-team players, including the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, all sidelined for extended periods throughout 2024/2025.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) Money on new signings
19/20 - winter £0
20/21 - summer £81.5m
20/21 - winter £900k
21/22 - summer £156.8m
21/22 - winter £1.8m
22/23 - summer £121.5m
22/23 - winter £59m
23/24 - summer £208m
23/24 - winter £0
24/25 - summer £101.5m
24/25 - winter £0
Gabriel Jesus' ACL injury, sustained in an FA Cup defeat to Man United, also left Arteta without a senior natural striker for the majority of 2025. Mikel Merino was forced to play in an emergency striker role, and Berta will be determined to ensure Arsenal's manager isn't left so short of options next term.
Arsenal are currently working to discover the conditions of deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, who are fresh off impressive campaigns at Sporting CP and RB Leipzig respectively (BBC).
gyokeres-sporting
Meanwhile, extensive groundwork is being laid when it comes to Arsenal's pursuit of a new wide option, with Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo reported as a top target for Berta. However, talks have currently stalled due to salary demands, prompting the north Londoners to weigh up alternatives (Florian Plettenberg).
According to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel, one of those was Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reacts
The Cameroonian has enjoyed the season of his life under Thomas Frank, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, but it looks highly likely that Old Trafford will be his next destination.
Negotiations have now started between United and Brentford over Mbeumo, but there is still a glimmer of hope for Arteta.
Arsenal tried to sign Bryan Mbeumo before Man United decision
Mokbel reports that Arsenal had "big" interest in Mbeumo and tried to sign him, before the African gave priority to Ruben Amorim's side. However, if a move falls through, the BBC reporter suggests Arsenal could be there to salvage a move.
“I think Bryan Mbeumo is probably going to be ending up at Man United. I think that probably will happen,” Mokbel told Highbury Squad on YouTube.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reacts
“But I do know that Arsenal had a big interest in him and have tried. I think perhaps what Man United put on the table may be more favourable than Arsenal, and I think that perhaps that might be why he’s chosen to go to Man United.
“If the Mbeumo deal, for whatever reason, didn’t happen, I would not be surprised to see Arsenal be there or thereabouts to try to pick up the pieces of that deal.”
Reports suggest Man United have bid around £55 million for Mbeumo, but given Brentford's valuation is actually around £60 million, there is still work to be done there.
While the 25-year-old only has a year left on his contract, Brentford possess the option to extend it by a further year, meaning they can charge a much higher fee than what you'd expect.