Brentford Opinion: Signing Marc Bola could prove to be a shrewd move

According to Bristol Post, Brentford have been linked with a move for Blackpool left-back Marc Bola, with the report claiming that the Bees have submitted a bid of £750,000 for the 21-year-old defender.

Bristol Post understands that Brentford are not alone in their pursuit of the highly-rated former Arsenal starlet. The Bees likely to face stiff competition from Championship newcomers Luton Town, who are currently on the lookout for a new left-back following the departure of James Justin to Leicester City. 

However, the same report claims that League One outfit Blackpool are likely to hold out for a better fee for Bola, who has only one year left on his contract at Bloomfield Road.

Marc Bola registered 2 goals and 3 assists in 43 appearances for Blackpool in all competitions this past season, as Terry McPhillips’ side finished 10th in League One and missed out on a promotion playoff spot.

The 21-year-old was one of the standout performers at Bloomfield Road the last term and earned plaudits for his consistently impressive displays, which is probably the reason why Brentford seem keen to get him on board this summer. 

Born in Greenwich, south-east London, to parents of Nigerian descent, Bola joined Arsenal at the age of 13 and made rapid progress through the youth ranks to play for the reserve side.

Despite turning professional with the Gunners in 2016, Bola failed to make the grade in the first-team and spent time on loan at Notts County in League Two and Bristol Rovers in League One.

Bola joined Blackpool as a free agent following his release from Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season and the 21-year-old proved his worth with some energetic displays at Bloomfield Road in the third-tier. And he might as well earn just rewards for his performances with a move to Griffin Park this summer, with the Bees already in pursuit of the talented left-back. 

Meanwhile, Brentford have already spent quite a lot of money this summer on several statement signings and manager Thomas Frank has made his intentions very clear that he wants the club to mount a genuine challenge for promotion next term.  

The Bees have already brought in midfielders Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard from Celta Vigo and Fiorentina respectively, whilst centre-back Pontus Jansson, goalkeeper David Raya and centre-back Ethan Pinnock have joined from Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley respectively.  

To put things into perspective, Brentford have already taken significant strides towards strengthening several areas of their squad this summer and Marc Bola could prove to be another useful addition to the defensive ranks at Griffin Park. 

Essentially a left-back, Bola has the versatility to play as a right-back and also as a centre-back, meaning that he could potentially provide Frank with valuable cover in multiple areas across the backline. 

The Bees have lost the likes of Yoann Barbet, Ezri Konsa and Chris Mepham in recent times and while they still have Rico Henry and Moses Odubajo as options for the upcoming season, someone like Bola could increase competition for places. 

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Still only 21, Marc Bola has plenty of time to make significant improvements to his game Brentford might have a gem on their hands if he goes on to fulfil his promise at Griffin Park in the years to come.

That said, the Bees should not hesitate to come up with an improved offer for the left-back before the transfer deadline.