Arsenal could be set to pull off a masterstroke in the summer transfer window by bypassing Ivan Toney and instead turning their attention on his Brentford teammate, Bryan Mbeumo.
The Gunners have been linked with Toney for some time now, though a move has failed to materialise for the England international.
The former Peterborough United striker has made no secret of his ambition to play for a top club and, with his contract at Brentford nearing its end, a summer exit seems likely. However, Arsenal might find more value in pursuing Mbeumo, who is reportedly on the radar of Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League in 2021, Mbeumo has proven himself as a key player for the Bees. While Brentford’s potential asking for the Cameroonian price remains unknown, it’s certain to be lower than that of Toney’s.
Mbeumo himself has sparked speculation about a potential exit from Brentford, expressing his ambition in a recent interview with L’Equipe: “I’ve spent five seasons at Brentford in a club that knew how to help me grow and take a step forward,” he said. “But yes, I want to play in the biggest competitions, in the best clubs. It’s still enticing to see some big teams interested in me. We’ll see.”
The 24-year-old been a key player for Brentford since joining from Troyes in 2019 and scored nine goals in the Premier League last season despite missing 13 games of the season through injury.
Toney, meanwhile, has previously expressed his desire to play for Arsenal, stating: “If the chance came along, then I’d have to look more into it. The manager knows I want to play at the highest level possible, whenever that time comes then so be it.
“My time at Brentford has been good, probably one of the best times of my whole career. The next club I go to, if I was to move, would be the right club. I’ve been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but from young I’ve liked Arsenal.”