Exclusive: Arsenal ‘Face Price Hike’ to Sign £50m Saka Replacement
Arsenal are in serious danger of missing out on landing Bryan Mbeumo as Brentford have increased their demands in an attempt to end hopes of him moving to the Emirates Stadium as a short-term replacement for Bukayo Saka during the newly-reopened transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Gunners splashed the cash in the summer, with Riccardo Calafiori being the most expensive acquisition thanks to completing a £42million switch from Bologna, boss Mikel Arteta has a fresh opportunity to bolster his Premier League title-chasing squad ahead of the winter’s February 3 deadline.
Saka is on course to be on the treatment table for more than two months after sustaining a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace in December, which forced him to undergo surgery, and plans have been put in place to secure an alternative option on the right flank.
Mbeumo Scouted as Arteta Seeks Acquisition
Data resulted in winger working his way onto north Londoners’ radar
Bees chief Thomas Frank is fearful that offloading the Cameroon international could derail his side’s season, and it has resulted in the decision being made to stand firm despite their sought-after talisman entering the final 18 months of his £45,000-per-week contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
GMS sources have been informed that Mbeumo shot onto Arsenal’s radar thanks to the data compiled when recruitment staff were sent to watch him in action during 2024, while they have also looked at how he could fit into Arteta’s system as they aim to close the gap on Premier League table-toppers Liverpool.
Arsenal are concerned that they are facing a significant challenge to find good value in the market after seriously looking into securing attacking reinforcements in Saka’s absence, GMS sources have learned, and landing Mbeumo ahead of February 3 will be difficult thanks to his current employers not entertaining cut-price offers.
