Theo Walcott Says Arsenal Missed Out on £71m Man Utd Star

Theo Walcott regrets Arsenal failure to sign Bryan Mbeumo, calling the £71m Manchester United forward “incredible” and “Premier League ready.”

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes his old club made a huge mistake by not signing Bryan Mbeumo, now a £71 million Manchester United star. Speaking on It’s Called Soccer, Walcott praised the forward’s ability and said Arsenal should have acted years earlier.

“I think Mbeumo has been incredible and was built for Premier League football,” Walcott said. “He’s a player Arsenal should have bought many years ago.” His remarks have reignited debate among fans and pundits about Arsenal’s transfer strategy and long-term scouting decisions.

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Manchester United’s decision to spend big on Bryan Mbeumo has already proven successful. The Cameroonian forward joined the club as part of a major summer overhaul led by new manager Rúben Amorim. Alongside Mbeumo, United also brought in Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško in a bid to rebuild their attack.

The investment is paying dividends. United have won three straight matches, with Mbeumo quickly establishing himself as a key player in Amorim’s high-tempo system.

Mbeumo’s Impressive Start at Old Trafford

Since his move from Brentford, Mbeumo has been electric. His brace against Brighton last weekend underlined his ability to deliver in crucial games, earning plaudits from both teammates and pundits alike.

Walcott highlighted this performance as further proof of Mbeumo’s class and readiness for top-level football, questioning why Arsenal’s recruitment team failed to secure his signature earlier.

For Arsenal, who currently sit top of the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, Walcott’s comments sting a little. The Gunners’ recent success has been built on smart recruitment, but missing out on Mbeumo shows that even elite clubs can overlook top-tier talent.

Walcott’s remarks echo a growing sentiment among supporters that Arsenal’s scouting system must remain proactive if they want to maintain dominance both domestically and in Europe.

While Arsenal have made significant strides in recent seasons with signings like Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus, and Viktor Gyökeres, Walcott’s critique serves as a timely reminder: identifying the right talent at the right time is everything.

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