Arsenal 'considered' shock move for Brentford forward prior to transfer deadline | OneFootball

Arsenal contemplated a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo during the latter stages of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

The Gunners were in the market for options to strengthen their frontline and ended up acquiring Raheem Sterling on a straight loan from Chelsea on deadline day.

However, they also had their eyes on Mbeumo before the window shut last Friday.

The Daily Mail claim Arsenal's recruitment team 'explored' a deal for the Cameroonian, though ultimately decided firming up their interest.

Brentford sold star striker Ivan Toney, a former Arsenal target, to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli at the very end of the window and it is unknown if they would have sanctioned another high-profile exit without time to bring in a replacement.

Toney and Mbeumo formed a fine partnership / Steve Bardens/GettyImages

Mbeumo has been one of the Bees' best and most consistent performers since his 2019 move to west London. In 203 games for Brentford, he has registered 53 goals and 42 assists.

Though he is proficient in the final third, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank also regularly singled out Mbeumo for his work rate and tactical awareness.

Arsenal did do business with Brentford earlier in the summer, triggering their purchase clause to sign David Raya permanently following a successful loan spell. The Gunners paid an initial £3m loan fee plus £27m to take him off the Bees' hands for good.

With a move for Mbeumo off the table, Arsenal eventually settled on Sterling after first being offered him just over 24 hours before the deadline. Sterling previously worked under Mikel Arteta when he was assistant manager at Manchester City,

Kingsley Coman was also a potential option for Arsenal, but he ended up remaining at Bayern Munich.