Manchester United to rival Arsenal for 25-year-old Premier League attacker in January: Reports 

Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for the signature of Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo in the January transfer window. This is according to a report from the Daily Star, which claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £40 million bid for the Cameroon international.

However, a transfer for Mbeumo will not be straightforward, with the aforementioned article also claiming that Newcastle United are interested in the player. It isn't surprising to see the number of clubs in pursuit of the 25-year-old after his performances for the Bees in the Premier League this year.

From his 20 appearances in the English top flight, Mbeumo has found the back of the net on 13 occasions and bagged three assists. However, he's only contracted with Brentford till the summer of 2026, which may prompt the club to sell him either this January or once the season is complete.

Mbeumo is a versatile player who can operate on the right wing and play down the middle. At Manchester United, he will face competition from Amad Diallo for a starting spot on the right.

Given that he may not be the first choice in this role and the Red Devils are 13th in the league right now, Mbeumo might be better off not going to Old Trafford. On the other hand, he will be guaranteed a starting spot on the right flank at Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka injured at the moment.

However, his game time will come under threat once the England international returns to action. If Mbeumo does indeed join the Gunners, he will give himself the chance to compete for the Premier League title this season.

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Nigel Winterburn makes Arsenal v Manchester United FA Cup clash prediction

Nigel Winterburn

Nigel Winterburn has predicted Arsenal to defeat Manchester United when the two sides meet for their third-round FA Cup clash at the Emirates on Sunday (January 12).

The Gunners come into this game on the back of a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United at the Emirates in midweek (January 07). Despite that, Winterburn told William Hill (via Metro):

"I think this will be an Arsenal victory purely because of the quality their squad holds. But I do think it’s going to be a very tight game."

Meanwhile, Manchester United may have had their confidence restored after managing a 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on January 5.