In a surprising twist in the summer transfer saga, Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has reportedly demanded an “unimaginable” salary package during negotiations with Manchester United, sending shockwaves through the club’s recruitment team and forcing the Red Devils to re-evaluate their pursuit of the dynamic winger.
Sources close to the negotiations have revealed that Mbeumo, 24, is open to a move to Old Trafford but has requested a wage deal that would place him among the highest earners at the club — a demand United’s board is hesitant to meet, given the club’s ongoing financial recalibration under new ownership.
“It’s not just a high wage. It’s a wage structure-breaking number,” said one insider familiar with the talks. “Mbeumo believes he’s entering his prime and wants to be paid like a marquee player.”
While Mbeumo has enjoyed an impressive season with Brentford — notching goals, assists, and proving himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide threats — United’s leadership is wary of overpaying for a player who, despite his quality, is not yet considered elite by European standards.
As a result, Manchester United are now seriously considering pivoting toward an alternative option — specifically an attacker who has been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent weeks. Although the name has not been officially confirmed, insiders suggest Rennes winger Jérémy Doku or Ajax’s Steven Bergwijn may be back on the table, both of whom have been monitored by Arsenal scouts.
Meanwhile, Arsenal themselves are watching the Mbeumo drama closely, as Mikel Arteta reportedly rates the Cameroon international highly and may view United’s hesitation as a golden opportunity to swoop in — but only if Brentford lower their transfer fee and Mbeumo adjusts his wage expectations.
Manchester United, under pressure to rebuild their squad this summer, particularly in attack, now find themselves at a crossroads. With several key players potentially on the way out — and new leadership demanding smarter, more disciplined spending — Mbeumo’s bold salary demand could ultimately cost him a dream move to Old Trafford.
As things stand, unless there’s a major shift from either party, Manchester United may be ready to walk away — and focus their resources elsewhere, possibly turning this into yet another dramatic chapter in the Premier League’s ever-intensifying transfer market.
