As revealed by journalist Sami Mokbel via the Daily Mail, Arsenal considered a late transfer move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo before signing Rajeem Sterling in an 11th-hour deal from Chelsea.
The Gunners earmarked several options this summer, but none of them were close enough.
RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko rejected a move to the Emirates, Ivan Toney went to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen coated a fortune, and Kingsley Coman’s exorbitant wage demands ended their pursuit.
The North London outfit ultimately decided to remain content with their present attacking options in Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal wanted to sign Bryan Mbeumo before Sterling move materialised
It has now been claimed that Mikel Arteta had set his sights on another Brentford striker, Mbeumo, in the final weeks of the transfer window. But the deal fell through as the Bees’ didn’t want to lose another striker.
Thomas Frank’s side sold Toney to the Saudi Pro League club for £40 million, and they were not ready to let go of another star forward. It would have given them little time to find a replacement.
The Gunners got a better deal by roping in Sterling for free. The best part of this transfer is that Chelsea are paying the winger to play for Arsenal. In the end, it’s a win-win situation, but will it remain the same next summer?
Gabriel Jesus’ injury concerns are nothing new, and the team is overly dependent on Havertz. Although the German has started the season in top form with two goals in three games, the team might struggle to find a quality replacement if the 25-year-old misses out.
Arsenal should revisit Mbeumo’s file as he is an amazing player. The Cameroon international has fared well for the Bees with 53 goals in 203 appearances. The striker scored a brace in a 3-1 win over Southampton last week.
He can play as a winger as well, superb agility, ability to wriggle away from challenges and can cut inside on his powerful left foot.
— ☂️ (@METR0SPID3R) September 4, 2024
The played is currently valued at £35m, and it won’t be difficult for Arteta’s side to meet that valuation. There is a chance that they might plan a move in January or wait until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Even if the club is managing things well with their current crop of attackers, they would need a striker in the future.
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It remains to be seen if Mbeumo is the one that fits into Arteta’s transfer plans next year.
