Liverpool and Arsenal to face battle for in-form ‘dream transfer target’

Liverpool and Arsenal could face competition in the race to sign one of the most in-form Premier League stars of the season after a rival declared him as their ‘dream target’.

Mohamed Salah’s five goals and five assists in eight Premier League games this season has put Liverpool top of the table but the 32-year-old could leave on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to strengthen in attack next year, particularly to find an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right flank and to provide another consistent source of goals.

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Both side’s searches have led to interest in Bryan Mbeumo, particularly with the Brentford star having scored six times in eight games this season.

However, Newcastle have become the latest club to register an interest in Mbuemo, with i claiming that the 25-year-old is a ‘dream target’ for January.

The report does concede that a winter move for the Cameroonian will prove unlikely but the Magpies are determined to sign a right winger as their ‘priority’ in January.

What does the future hold for Bryan Mbeumo?

Mbeumo has continued to impress for Brentford since joining the Bees in 2019 for €6.5 million, providing 28 goals and 21 assists in 106 games in the Premier League.

As a versatile option who can feature on the right-flank or up front, Mbeumo has been deemed as a suitable replacement for Salah at Anfield and the Reds would likely be the frontrunners for his signature if they made a move.

A move to Arsenal could prove appealing for Mbeumo but selling the forward on playing a backup role to Saka could be a tough sell for Mikel Arteta.

Newcastle would undoubtedly give Mbeumo the best opportunity for minutes but a lot could depend on whether Eddie Howe’s side qualify for Europe this season.

With Brentford having an option to extend Mbeumo’s contract until 2028, they would be expected to demand a fee in excess of €50 million for their star man, who has not yet agitated for a move, indicating any transfer may have to wait until next summer.