Arsenal have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo this month.
The 25-year-old has been of interest to the Gunners for many months, with the North Londoners plotting a New Year switch for the player at the beginning of the term.
Mbeumo showcased his serious talents to Mikel Arteta on New Year's Day, when the Cameroonian netted the opening goal of the Premier League contest between the two sides.
Arsenal were able to rally back and secure maximum points, though, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli.
Mbeumo has enjoyed a productive start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists across 19 league appearances for the Bees.
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Arsenal suffer blow in Mbeumo pursuit?
According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal's chances of securing the services of Brentford star Mbeumo in the New Year have taken a serious turn for the worst.
The report claims that the Bees have increased their asking price for the 25-year-old following his excellent opening half of the current term.
It is understood that Brentford will only accept offers of at least £50m for Mbeumo, who was heavily linked with a move away during 2024.
Having sold Ivan Toney to the Saudi Pro League for £40m in the summer, the Bees are keen to keep hold of their leading marksman for the remainder of the campaign.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank is supposedly worried that his side's season could be derailed if Mbeumo was to leave to the Emirates in January.
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Do Arsenal need Mbuemo?
Given recent fitness issues for Arsenal, a New Year acquisition of Mbeumo would be just what the doctor ordered for the title-chasing Gunners.
Picking up a hamstring injury in December, Bukayo Saka has recently undergone surgery and is not expected back in action for a couple of months.
As a result, Arteta's men have been left short on the right flank, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri starting in that role on Wednesday night against Brentford.
Carter White
