Arsenal set to chase Premier League star in January to help bolster Mikel Arteta's attack: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo to help rectify goalscoring issues at the Emirates. The Cameroonian attacker is flying high in front of goal with the Bees and is on Mikel Arteta's radar.
Caught Offside reports that the Gunners are set to battle Newcastle United for Mbeumo. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are also in the picture, and the Bees will demand around £40 million.
Mbeumo, 25, has a year and a half left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium. He's been in red-hot form this season, striking eight goals and one assist in 14 games across competitions.
The 18-cap Cameroon international sits joint third in the Premier League Golden Boot race. With four goals, Bukayo Saka is Arsenal's top scorer, joint-15th place in the goalscoring charts.
Thus, that tells of Mbeumo's stellar performances this season and a departure is expected if clubs stump up a significant fee. He's been with the Bees since 2019 and evolved into one of English football's attacking gems.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank spoke about Mbeumo's future last weekend. The Danish coach said (via BBC Sport):
"Not thinking about it. I'm very happy when players are linked with other clubs because it means they are doing well. I know Bryan very well and he's a professional player, very good at focusing on training. No complaints."
Brentford has been in similar situations in recent years, with Ivan Toney exiting to Al-Ahli. David Raya also departed to Arsenal permanently this past summer, so there's recent business between the two clubs.
Arsenal could also target Brighton's Evan Ferguson in January: Reports
Arsenal have the opportunity to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson in January. The Republic of Ireland international is reportedly available for loan and the Gunners are long-term admirers, per The Telegraph.
Ferguson, 20, has lacked game time this season, falling behind Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order. He's started just one of seven league games, with one goal to his name.
Arteta could do with a different striker profile at the Emirates, and Ferguson's acquisition would be cost-effective. He was viewed as one of the Premier League's most exciting talents but has come off the boil over the past year after a lengthy injury.
Ferguson could flourish up top for the Gunners as a target man with Saka and Gabriel Martinelli accompanying him. Brighton value him at £60 million, and he could play himself into a permanent switch.