Arsenal and Manchester United target Brentford striker Igor Thiago

Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a transfer battle over Brentford striker Igor Thiago after the Brazilian emerged as one of the Premier League's standout forwards.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in England, establishing himself as Brentford's leading attacking threat and earning recognition on the international stage with Brazil. His performances have now attracted interest from several elite clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United the latest sides linked with a move.

As the summer transfer market gathers momentum, Brentford find themselves in an increasingly strong negotiating position.

According to reports in Brazil, Arsenal have intensified their interest in Thiago and view him as one of their preferred options to strengthen Mikel Arteta's attack ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Spanish coach is believed to have admired the striker's development since before his move to English football and sees several qualities that would suit Arsenal's system.

Thiago combines physical presence with intelligent movement and relentless pressing, characteristics that have become increasingly important in Arteta's tactical approach. His ability to operate as a focal point while also contributing in transition reportedly makes him an attractive candidate.

The report also suggests sporting director Andrea Berta is keen to recruit players already proven in the Premier League, reducing the adaptation risks often associated with major transfers.

Manchester United are also credited with serious interest.

The Old Trafford club continue to assess several attacking options and reportedly view Thiago as a forward capable of bringing a different dimension to their frontline.

Whether United advance beyond monitoring remains unclear, but their involvement alone could complicate matters for Arsenal.

Competition between two of England's biggest clubs would almost certainly strengthen Brentford's negotiating leverage and increase the final transfer fee.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the situation is Brentford's position.

The west London club are under no pressure to sell and are fully aware that interest in Thiago continues to grow. Alongside Arsenal and Manchester United, reports have also linked Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Juventus with the striker.

That level of competition has reportedly contributed to Brentford placing a valuation of around £77 million (€90 million) on their star forward.

While that figure may appear ambitious, the combination of Premier League production, international recognition and long-term potential gives Brentford a strong argument.

However, it remains too early to determine whether any interested club is prepared to meet those demands.

Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to continue evaluating their attacking options before deciding whether to formalise their interest. Much could depend on other striker targets and how each club prioritises spending during the remainder of the window.

For Brentford, there is little urgency to negotiate. Unless a club approaches their valuation, they are well positioned to retain one of their most important players for another season. As more elite clubs enter the conversation, Thiago's future is likely to remain one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the summer.

Would Igor Thiago be worth Brentford's reported £77 million valuation, or are Arsenal and Manchester United better off pursuing alternative striker targets?