Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League attacker wanted by Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
The Villans, keen to add depth on the right flank, are keeping a close eye on Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo but face competition from an array of English top-flight teams.
Unai Emery had limitations on spending in the summer – even despite the £52 million sale of Moussa Diaby – and therefore wasn’t able to bring in the versatile forward he desired. It could be a different story in January, though, after masterstrokes from club chiefs Monchi and Damian Vidagany.
HITC reports Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle are all keen on signing Mbeumo. The Cameroon international, who has less than two years left on his contract, is said to be in no rush to renew with so many clubs hovering.
The report from HITC also states that Nottingham Forest had a £25 million bid rejected in the final days of the summer window. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side also attempted to sign Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez but the player had reservations over moving to the City Ground. They could theoretically re-emerge for Mbeumo in January.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that Brentford do have the option to extend Mbeumo’s deal by a year. As a result, the Bees are not under any real pressure to sell their star forward – especially after the £40 million departure of Ivan Toney to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
Mbeumo, who joined Brentford from Troyes in 2019 for a then club record £5.8 million, has contributed an impressive 53 goals and 42 assists in 203 appearances. This season has started brilliantly, too, with three goals in as many Premier League matches. There’s no wonder so many teams are interested.