Brentford make desperate decision out of fear of losing Bryan Mbeumo to Newcastle United and Arsenal

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Newcastle and Arsenal are both eyeing a move for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.

As the January transfer window commences it’s time for Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell to put his money where his mouth is and deliver for both Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans after a disappointing summer window.

It’s Mitchell’s first full transfer window since joining in July so he can be given the benefit of the doubt for summer failings which included several failed attempts to sign Marc Guehi.

Howe wants a striker, winger and goalkeeper in January, Mbeumo is thought to be a winger the Newcastle head coach thinks very highly of.

Mbeumo scored and bagged an assist in Newcastle’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford in December – an advertisement for what he could do if placed in that Newcastle side who lack depth in that position and are getting by for the time being thanks to Jacob Murphy‘s purple patch.

Now, the latest on Mbuemo’s future suggests it could still be difficult to sign him.

Brentford stand firm on Mbeumo’s asking price

Arsenal are looking at signing a winger after head coach Mikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka will face an extended period on the sidelines following a hamstring injury.

The Gunners have reportedly made the 25-year-old their top target in January and are willing to go head-to-head with Newcastle for his signature.

However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Brentford is desperate to keep the Cameroon international at the club and has stood firm with their £50million asking price. The report suggests that Bees boss Thomas Frank is fearful that Mbeumo leaving in January would derail their season following a positive start.

Mbeumo is entering the final 18 months of his contract with Brentford and if they don’t sell in January his transfer value is sure to decrease at the end of the season.

Mbuemo fills a void at Newcastle

There’s no doubt that the signing of Mbeumo would immediately make Newcastle a better side.

Mbeumo has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, scoring 11 goals and bagging two assists in 19 games. The 25-year-old has played every minute in the Premier League so far this campaign and made an appearance off the bench as Newcastle beat Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Newcastle’s problems on the right side of attack have been lingering since the start of the 2023/24 season where it was evident that the left side had much more quality in comparison. The signing of Yankuba Minteh was a silver lining but Howe was forced to sell in the summer to help balance the books with PSR.

The Magpies are looking to sell Miguel Almiron in January – several clubs are reported to be interested, his departure would leave Murphy as the only natural right-wing option so his potential departure makes signing Mbeumo more important.