Brentford have reportedly reached a decision over the asking price of attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
While Ivan Toney was at the club, the 25-year-old was effectively playing second fiddle to a striker who was earning recognition through his goalscoring exploits.
However, the Cameroon international's performances with the Bees were going somewhat under the radar as he played the ideal foil for Toney or took centre stage in his absence.
Prior to this season, Mbeumo had contributed 17 goals and 21 assists across three Premier League campaigns, either being used on the flank or down the centre.
That has remained the case during the current season, with Mbeumo emerging as one of the stars of the division with eight strikes from nine appearances.
Nevertheless, while Brentford would prefer to retain his services in the long term, Mbeumo's contract is due to expire at the end of 2025-26.
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What will Brentford demand?
As a result, a scenario has been created where higher-profile Premier League teams or European sides could look to take advantage of the situation.
According to The Telegraph, Brentford have decided that they will only entertain offers in the region of £50m.
Whether proposals of that size arrive in January remains to be seen, yet there is potential for a bidding war to ensue between several teams.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been credited with an interest in acquiring Mbeumo's services.
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Which team need Mbeumo most?
There is a case that all three sides are in need of a player like Mbeumo, someone who is proven at contributing from a range of positions.
Mikel Arteta may ideally prefer a traditional number nine, yet there is an argument that Mbeumo would challenge for a starting role on the left-hand side of his attack alongside Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.
Meanwhile, Liverpool may view Mbeumo as a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah should the Egypt international not extend his Anfield stay past the end of this season.
As for Newcastle, Callum Wilson's injury issues have thrown up the possibility of the England international being sold in January or next summer, whereas Mbeumo could deputise for Alexander Isak when required and start the majority of games down the right, with Anthony Gordon on the left.
That said, in all three cases, it is unclear whether they would be prepared to meet Brentford's valuation at the midway point of a season.
Darren Plant
