Arsenal have now identified the “unstoppable” £50m forward as a key target in January

Arsenal they have now identified an “unstoppable” £50m drive as a key target in January, with Mikel Arteta looking to fill the void left by the injured Bukayo Saka, according to the report.

Arsenal in hot pursuit of Liverpool

The Gunners maintained their push for top spot with an impressive 3-1 win away at Brentford last time out, but Saka’s absence could be a major blow to their chances of catching Premier League leading Liverpool, who continue to pick up the pace.

As such, work began on bringing in a suitable replacement in the January transfer window, and Chelsea did Christopher Nkunku has reportedly become an option, with the 27-year-old ready to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Not only is Arteta looking to sign a new winger, but he is also interested in bringing in a new striker, despite Gabriel Jesus’ recent return to form and a deal for the Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen supposedly possible this month.

GiveMeSport have now released further information on who Arsenal could bring in this winter, citing Brentford Bryan Mbeumo as one of their main targets while they want to fill the void left by Saka.

However, it may be difficult to get a deal across the board as the Bees are determined to keep hold of their star and his form so far this season means they are now seeking a fee of around £50m to sanction his departure.

Mbeumo moved up the Gunners’ target list after watching him in action, and they began considering how he would fit into Arteta’s system at the Emirates Stadium. But although Arsenal are very interested in the striker, they are now in serious danger of missing out on his signature.

Mbeumo is getting stronger

The Cameroon international has gone from strength to strength since making his Premier League debut in 2021, and is on course to improve his goal record in one season for the Bees during the current campaign.

The departure of Ivan Toney could have been a huge blow for Brentford, but the former Troyes man has more than stepped up in his absence, drawing high praise from Premier League legend Alan Shearer earlier in the campaign.

Shearer described Mbeumo was “unstoppable” and continued his good form in front of goal against the Gunners on Wednesday night, scoring the first goal of the game in his side’s 3-1 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Brentford star has proved he is ready to take the next step in his career by signing for a bigger Premier League club, and could be a fantastic addition for Arsenal, but it seems likely that his £50m asking price will be too high.