Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has firmly played down suggestions that Bryan Mbeumo could leave the Bees before the January transfer window closes for business.
The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for Brentford during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in 25 appearances in all competitions, including 13 goals and three assists in 21 Premier League outings.
Mbeumo only has a contract with the Bees until June 2026, and there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to be keen to secure his services.
However, Brentford crucially have the option to activate a 12-month extension in his contract, and Frank has firmly denied that the attacker could be on his way out of the club before the winter market closes.
"No. So, very easy to answer that question!" Frank told reporters after Tuesday's Premier League clash with Manchester City when asked whether the forward could leave this month.
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Mbeumo not available in January, insists Brentford boss Frank
Mbeumo made the move to Brentford from Troyes in August 2019, and he has represented his current side on 225 occasions in all competitions, scoring 63 goals and registering 45 assists in the process.
The forward has 35 goals and 24 assists in 119 Premier League appearances, and the Bees will find it difficult to keep hold of him on a long-term basis due to his status as now one of the best forwards in England's top flight.
Mbeumo has shown his versatility by operating in a number of different forward positions this term, but the majority of his best work has come down the right, scoring twice and registering one assist from that position in Brentford's 5-0 success over Southampton on January 4.
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Why do Arsenal, Man United want Mbeumo?
Arsenal's need for a new forward is obvious, and in an ideal world, the Gunners would boost their squad with a striker in January.
Kai Havertz has recently struggled through the middle, while Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are out injured, and there is no question that Mbeumo's arrival would be a huge boost for Mikel Arteta's side in January.
Man United, meanwhile, could allow both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to depart before the end of the month.
Rashford continues to be linked with a loan departure, with AC Milan at the head of the queue, while Napoli are attempting to sign Garnacho, with Antonio Conte's side said to have failed with a £40m offer for the Argentina international.
If the pair both move on, a new attacker at Man United would be required this month, but it seems that both the 20-time English champions and the Gunners will have to wait until the end of the campaign to potentially bring in Mbeumo.
Matt Law
