Following a serious injury to Gabriel Jesus a couple of weeks ago, Arsenal have made no secret about their plans to recruit a new striker.
Kai Havertz is currently shouldering Arsenal’s striker task alone at the Emirates Stadium, explaining why Mikel Arteta swiftly needs another body.
Havertz has looked exhausted of late, so it was necessary for Leandro Trossard to deliver a makeshift false nine performance against Girona in the Champions League recently – a relatively ineffective performance.
That being said, Arsenal are being linked with Mathys Tel and other strikers thought to be available on a short-term basis this month.
But when it comes to longer-term targets in north London, Bryan Mbeumo’s name is often mentioned.
Thierry Henry thinks Bryan Mbeumo is set to leave Brentford
Interestingly, prior to Brentford’s tie with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was asked for his thoughts about Mbeumo on Sky Sports.
Henry was extremely complimentary about Brentford’s versatile forward, who can play in a whole host of positions, explaining his appeal to Arsenal.
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Arsenal are interested in Mbeumo, and fans in N5 might therefore be intrigued to read Henry’s comments that he thinks the striker might leave Brentford in six months time.
Henry said: “Yes he is [a gem], and I like the way he has evolved as a player and obviously I know him from before, he used to play for the [France] under-21 team before changing nationality but I like the way he goes about it.
“I like the way he finishes, the way he asks for the ball in behind, he can press very well, he has an eye for a pass also – I think he’s a very good player.
“I don’t know how long he’s going to stay at Brentford – sorry I don’t want to…, but you can see how some teams can be interested in him at the end of the season.”
Arsenal could finally rest Bukayo Saka if Bryan Mbeumo arrived
In terms of the summer, Arsenal want to sign Alexander Isak or Benjamin Sesko predominantly – their two main targets.
But perhaps Mbeumo, who’s thought to be valued at around £50m, could be an excellent signing in addition to one of those number nines.
As mentioned, Mbeumo is very versatile and has even played as a right wing-back for Thomas Frank’s side this season.
And as well as operating as a striker when needed for the Gunners, Mbeumo would also provide a stylistic replacement for Bukayo Saka when needed, a winger who clearly needs to be rested more often when he eventually returns.