How Arsenal actually feel about Bryan Mbeumo transfer revealed amid £50,000,000 links

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Arsenal admire Bryan Mbeumo, although the Brentford winger isn’t one of the Gunners’ transfer priorities this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Mbeumo is enjoying a prolific campaign for the Bees, netting 19 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions thus far.

This form has sparked interest from several top clubs, including the Gunners, as well as Liverpool.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Mbeumo in the winter, but ultimately didn’t opt to meet Brentford’s reported £50 million valuation.

However, with Andrea Berta keen to keep his options open, the North London club revisiting the Cameroonian’s situation this summer cannot be ruled out.

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Mbeumo is on Arsenal’s radar but not a priority

It’s well documented that Nico Williams is Arsenal’s primary winger target heading into the summer, although the Spaniard is understood to be eager on a switch to Barcelona.

Thus, the Gunners may have to look elsewhere, and Mbeumo represents a Premier League-proven option available at a potentially reasonable price.

Reports emerged last week that Arsenal are accelerating in talks over signing the player, although transfer expert Graeme Bailey feels the wide forward’s representatives may be driving some of this speculation.

“He’s a player they’ve liked for a long time,” he said.

“I haven’t heard about them stepping up the interest too much. He’s always been on the radar. I think it’s Mbeumo’s people making sure that everyone’s aware.

“Obviously, we know Newcastle are in there as well. I haven’t heard a massive amount on him recently. He’s obviously a right-sided player, whereas they want someone who can play both sides.

“He’s a consummate professional. He’s really good. he ranks very highly in all the analytics. Not just in terms of goals scored and assists, but in terms of the proper analytics, he does rank very, very highly. He’s a very, very safe transfer.

“Is he becoming a world superstar? I’m not sure. But is he guaranteeing you ten to 15 goals and a seven or eight out of 10 every week? I think he is.

“I know he’s one they’ve liked previously, but we’ll see where that one goes. I’d be surprised if he was top of that list.”

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Arsenal shouldn’t sign Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo is an excellent player enjoying an excellent season.

However, his profile simply doesn’t match up to what Arsenal are looking for or require in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners have Bukayo Saka, the team’s talisman, already on their books and dominating the right-hand side of the pitch.

Unless Arteta has an elaborate plan to convert one of Saka or Mbeumo into a left-winger, there are doubts around whether the two can co-exist in the same squad.

While the Gunners could do with some more cover for Saka, they can’t spend in excess of £50 million on a deputy to someone who will play all the time when they are fit.

Instead, the priority should be signing an explosive left forward.

Rodrygo is said to be a genuine target for Arsenal, and the Brazilian would be the perfect option to fill the quality void on the left-hand side of Arteta’s attack.