Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal Interest, but Man Utd still seen as favourites to sign Mbeumo | OneFootball

Manchester United Lead Chase for Mbeumo as Arsenal Enter Race

Manchester United remain in pole position to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite fresh interest from Arsenal and long-standing monitoring from Newcastle United. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the transfer picture around the 25-year-old forward is rapidly evolving, with United understood to be the most advanced in their pursuit.

Mbeumo has just completed a career-best campaign, registering 20 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances. His average of one goal contribution every 123 minutes underlines his growing reputation in the Premier League. And while Brentford still hold a contractual option to extend his current deal to 2027, the club appear resigned to the idea of a sale in the coming weeks.

Arsenal complicate United’s plans

Arsenal’s emergence in the race is a new development. While the Gunners have not yet made a formal bid, Romano confirmed via his YouTube channel that “Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation,” adding that “Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal are all clubs monitoring the player.”

United, who have already reached a conditional agreement for Matheus Cunha in a £62.5 million deal, are now pushing to pair the Brazilian with another dynamic forward. Mbeumo has been earmarked as one of two attacking midfield additions that manager Ruben Amorim is targeting to reshape the club’s front line.

However, United’s pursuit is currently paused, with financial considerations a key factor. The club would need to sell at least one senior player before meeting Brentford’s £60 million asking price, to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

Newcastle concerned by asking price

While Newcastle admire Mbeumo’s qualities, they are said to be hesitant about Brentford’s valuation. The Magpies reportedly believe a figure closer to £50 million is more appropriate for a player with just 12 months remaining on his deal, not accounting for the club’s extension clause.

Player’s stance and club position

Mbeumo, capped 22 times by Cameroon, has not publicly commented on his next move. However, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been candid about the situation. Speaking to the Hounslow Herald, he said:“We are a selling club, so if someone comes in with the right price, then we would sell. I definitely understand the interest in him.”

Photo: IMAGO

He added: “There should be interest. At least there are rumours. I don’t know who makes these rumours up, so maybe there’s something.”

The ongoing talks and the strength of United’s intent suggest this deal is firmly active. While Arsenal’s interest is noteworthy and Newcastle are still in the frame, United remain the most willing to act, particularly if Mbeumo himself makes it clear that Old Trafford is his preferred destination.

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Bryan Mbeumo ticks so many boxes. He can play off either flank, as a number 10, and even lead the line if needed. Twenty goals and nine assists in a Brentford side is no small feat. Imagine what he could do feeding off Bruno Fernandes or linking with Matheus Cunha.

The fact that United are not just monitoring but actively negotiating puts a spring in the step of the United faithful. Hearing that talks are “progressing” and they’re not being rejected is reassuring. For once, it feels like United are being decisive in the market.

Yes, the £60 million price tag might raise eyebrows, especially with PSR limits in play, but this is the cost of doing business now. And if the club are serious about backing Amorim and reshaping the attack, this is a deal worth pushing over the line.

Arsenal entering the race is a concern, but if United can move quickly and offload the right players, this is theirs to lose. Mbeumo feels like a player just entering his prime, and Old Trafford could be the stage where he becomes elite.