Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo would be an incredible signing for Nottingham Forest, but Bees manager Thomas Frank is being rather cryptic about his future.
Forest have been linked with Mbeumo ahead of a summer transfer window of heightened significance, with the Forest squad needing additional quality to handle the step up to European football.
His 19 Premier League goals have meant that Arsenal are also looking at Mbeumo as the Gunners seek attacking reinforcements.
Frank had suggested that Brentford would sell Mbeumo which made the pursuit look more possible, but his latest remarks on the Cameroonian’s future have somewhat confused the situation.
Thomas Frank hints that Bryan Mbeumo could stay at Brentford
Mbeumo’s situation at Brentford is almost akin to that of Morgan Gibbs-White at Forest, with clubs battling to keep their most high-profile asset amongst interest from within the league.
The difference is, though, Nuno Espírito Santo has been radio-silent on Gibbs-White’s potential move to Man City, whereas Frank seemed to already admit defeat on Mbeumo.
However, speaking at Brentford’s end-of-season awards, Frank showed an altogether different attitude to his star man’s future, saying: “Let’s see. We all love him. I watch him every day, he comes in with a big smile, trains with a big smile. He loves to be a Brentford player but let’s see.”
In the circumstances, Frank wasn’t exactly going to say Mbeumo was leaving, but it was an interesting hint at renewed positivity surrounding the 25-year-old’s future.
Forest won’t be put off by this and may have been given a boost in their chase for Mbeumo, with Arsenal interested in a higher-profile deal.
Arsenal’s Rodrygo interest could boost Forest’s Mbeumo chase
Forest are ready to spend big in the summer so Brentford’s reported £50m valuation for Mbeumo shouldn’t be an issue, just as it wouldn’t be for Arsenal, either.
However, what could change Arsenal’s stance is their fresh pursuit of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, which would leave Forest with a direct run at Mbeumo.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that “talks have begun behind the scenes” about a move for the Brazilian star, which could seriously distract Mikel Arteta’s side in the Mbeumo race.
Frank’s latest comments might make a deal for Mbeumo more complicated, but Forest will have their opportunity to bid for the Cameroonian as a priority target, especially with Arsenal looking elsewhere.
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