Neal Maupay of Brentford FC, was one of the stars of the Championship last season. The Frenchman scored 25 goals, and created eight assists in 2018/19, making him the division’s third top scorer.
Maupay has pace, strength and goal scoring nous in abundance, and at just 22 years old, has a bright future ahead of him. Unsurprisingly there are a host of clubs looking to tempt him away from Griffin Park.
Aston Villa are at the front of the queue for the young attacker, and are readying a £20million bid, according to The Sun. Villa are looking to sign a big-name striker, after it is becoming increasingly apparent that Chelsea are reluctant to let Tammy Abraham go out on loan again next season. Villa boss, Dean Smith, originally brought Maupay to England, and would like to reunite with the striker.
However, also interested in bringing Maupay to the Premier League is Burnley. Indeed, the Daily Mail report that a battle is ensuing between Burnley and Spanish side Sevilla for the transfer of Maupay. It is believed that the 22-year-old would favour a move to the Premier League if he is to leave Griffin Park.
Brentford have a history of purchasing players at a relatively low-cost, and developing them, before selling them at an extensive profit. Maupay was purchased from St. Etienne in 2017 for just £1.6million, a small price for such a talented striker. A move for Maupay to the Premier League would echo the transfer of ex-Brentford striker Andre Gray to Burnley in 2015. It would be another example of Brentford improving a player at Griffin Park before making a profit out of them.
While many Brentford fans will be sad to see Maupay leave West London, it would be hard to refuse the £20million reported fee for acquiring the services of the young Frenchman. It is anticipated that this transfer saga will continue for many weeks.
