Arsenal considered move for surprise Premier League player before signing Raheem Sterling

Arsenal considered a surprise move for a Premier League star before completing the signing of Raheem Sterling.

Arsenal pulled off one of the shocks of the summer transfer window when they signed Raheem Sterling from London rivals Chelsea on deadline day.

The 29-year-old joined the Gunners on loan for the rest of the season after being frozen out of the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Arteta was keen to bring in attacking reinforcements, so the opportunity to bring in a forward of Sterling's reputation - without having to pay the bulk of his wages - was one not to be missed.

On deadline day Arsenal were also offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, but in the end they opted for Sterling.

However, the Gunners might have ended up making a surprise signing had things gone differently.

According to Mail Sport, Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo was among the attacking options Arsenal's recruitment team explored during the transfer window.

Mbeumo was considered by Arsenal (Getty)

Mbeumo has had a serious impact at Brentford since joining the club in 2019, although he has often found himself in the shadow of Ivan Toney.

The Cameroon international has scored 53 goals and provided 42 assists in 203 appearances for the Bees, meaning he has been directly involved in a goal roughly every other game.

In the absence of Toney this season - Thomas Frank did not select the Englishman ahead of his £40 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli - Mbeumo has scored three goals in as many matches.

While Arsenal did bring in Sterling, they did not manage to recruit a striker to compete for minutes with Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian has missed the last two games through injury, with Kai Havertz playing as a false nine in his place.