Thomas Frank has shut down Arsenal’s chances of signing Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
The Gunners are in need of some additional firepower during the January transfer window and their desire has only been exacerbated by injury to Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta is already without talismanic figure Bukayo Saka and the Gunners have a long-standing interest in improving their forward line.
Mbeumo has racked up 13 Premier League goals for the Bees this term and has surpassed his tally from 2023/24 in fewer matches. The Cameron international has secured his position as a sought-after talent with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all linked with signing him in addition to Arsenal.
The 25-year-old’s boss is not too concerned about the possibility of losing a star, who has helped the west London side survive Ivan Toney’s summer exit, just yet however. Frank instead, is adamant Mbeumo won’t be leaving the Gtech Stadium in the coming weeks.
The Danish head coach provided a frank response, when asked about the possibility of Mbeumo completing a transfer in January “No. So, very easy to answer that question!” he said.
Frank has provided a consistent stance over the possibility of the forward leaving the club this month. When taken to task over the former Troyes ace’s future last month, the 51-year-old even wished the player’s suitors good luck such was his confidence.
“Those clubs in January [laughs]?” he said. “I would say ‘good luck’! We love Bryan, he loves playing here. He’s had a fantastic season so nothing will happen.”
Frank does believe that Mbeumo will leave the Bees eventually however. The Brentford boss has utilised the French-born star 225 times and been repaid with 63 goals and 45 assists.
Earlier this season, Frank even went as far to recommend that so-called big clubs entertain a bid for the winger. The 2024/25 season has seen Mbeumo only improve his game.
“He’s added another layer this year,” Frank said in October. “I’m convinced one day he’ll play for a bigger club. I’d definitely buy him if I were at a bigger club.”
Arsenal boss Arteta has some hope of landing a new forward this month however. Speaking to TNT Sports after Arsenal beat Tottenham 2-1, the Spaniard said: “Yes, for sure because we lost two big players, Bukayo who could be out for up to three months and then Gabby who will be out for a long, long, long time.
“We are going to try [in this window] for sure. We are actively looking. We will try. Let’s see what we can get.”
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