Neville: Arsenal Should Have Moved for Mbeumo as Wright Laments Failed Pursuit

Gary Neville has made a compelling case for why Arsenal and Chelsea should have pursued Bryan Mbeumo during the summer transfer window, with the Manchester United legend convinced the forward would have been transformative for the north London club.

Mbeumo arrived at Old Trafford from Brentford for approximately £65m and has proven a shrewd acquisition for the Red Devils. The 26-year-old made an immediate impression following his move, contributing 12 goal involvements across 22 appearances in all competitions this term.

His pedigree was evident at Brentford, where he delivered 20 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season—a record that caught plenty of attention come the summer window.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville laid out his thinking plainly. "If you look at it now, Mbeumo would probably have been better for Chelsea and Arsenal than the players they got," he said. "I think Joao Pedro had done quite well but Mbeumo… I mean, he would have been a sensation for Arsenal wouldn't he? He's a good signing for Manchester United, a really solid signing. I like him a lot."

Ian Wright echoed those sentiments emphatically, revealing his frustration at Arsenal's failure to land their man. "He always looks dangerous," the former Gunner reflected. "When you see how he plays, absolutely he would have strengthened Arsenal. It's the same with Semenyo, you watch Semenyo and think, 'I could see him at Arsenal'. I could see Mbeumo at Arsenal as well. Gutted."

Chelsea's alternative path saw them recruit Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, a move that has generated mixed reviews. Yet Joe Cole has thrown his weight behind the Argentine winger, suggesting his ceiling remains remarkably high.

"I would love to coach Alejandro Garnacho. He's such a super-talented footballer," Cole told The Sun. "The sky's the limit. He could be anything, he really could. I'd love to go through his clips. There's a few technical things he can do better from a coaching performance in both boxes."

Cole acknowledged Garnacho's versatility as a wing forward rather than a traditional winger, arguing this presents genuine scope for development. "There's a massive scope if he puts himself in better positions," he explained. "But I also think he might need a little arm around his shoulder and a little bit of maturity in terms of how to conduct yourself as a footballer."

The Chelsea legend referenced Garnacho's chequered disciplinary record, noting that talented players with similar temperament issues require clear boundaries. "Let's just say he's been controversial throughout his career," Cole observed. "I've played with players like that and you think the penny will drop when the penny will drop. If I was dealing with him, I would have really strict boundaries on the pitch, and off the pitch. Agree them with him, work with him, and just keep reminding him what a talented footballer he is."