Arsenal suffered perhaps their most disappointing defeat of the season with Newcastle taking a firm grip on the Carabao Cup semi final following a 2-0 victory.
Goals from Arsenal target Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have left Arsenal on the verge of elimination of the Carabao Cup and some fans are calling for Mikel Arteta to be sacked.
The game highlighted the need to add more firepower to their frontline and whilst Matheus Cunha could still join Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both missed glorious chances to get Arsenal back in the tie.
With Saka’s replacement Nwaneri also now injured for a couple of weeks, it seems that Arsenal must now dip into the January window or face their quest for silverware slip away.
Bryan Mbuemo on Arsenal shortlist for Summer targets
One name that certainly would excite Arsenal fans is that of Brentford winger Bryan Mbuemo, who has been in devastating form this season with 13 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances.
Thomas Frank has made Brentford’s stance on Mbuemo clear but with Saka injured, Arsenal fans are craving for a replacement to his goals and assists for the remainder of this season.
The good news for Arsenal fans is that according to Florian Plettenberg at Sky SportDE, Mbuemo is on Arsenal’s radar but the bad news is that it seems the Gunners are waiting until the summer.
The summer may be too late for Arsenal’s faltering quest for silverware with Ian Wright demanding the board help Arteta with some January signings in the forward areas.
Bryan Mbuemo could even rival Bukayo Saka for his position
Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri are two of the options that Arteta has used in the vacant right-wing position following Saka’s injury however, neither have managed to really hit the England international’s high standards.
Mbuemo is having a stand-out season at Brentford and should Arsenal manage to strike a deal, the Cameroon international could even oust Saka from his starting position.
| Key metrics this season | Mbuemo | Saka |
| Goals | 13 | 5 |
| Progressive passes (per 90) | 4.07 | 3.76 |
| Shots on target | 53.1% | 37.8% |
| Expected goals (XG) | 6.3 | 4.2 |
| Tackles won | 17 | 13 |
Mbuemo has not only scored more goals than Saka this season but has also produced more incisive passes through the lines and has a better shots on target percentage. In addition, defensively the Brentford man also impresses with more tackles won than his Arsenal counterpart.
Bryan Mbuemo is a player that would add a much-needed spark to Arsenal’s wavering season and if Arsenal can strike a deal it would certainly raise the optimism around the club.
One problem that Arteta and the Arsenal board may face is that the fans want the signing now not in the Summer window- by then all hope could be lost.
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