Brentford 'submit club-record bid for Fiorentina's Nicolas Gonzalez'

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his attacking options before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.

They attempted to prise Brennan Johnson away from Nottingham Forest last month, but they saw two bids rejected for the Welshman, including one offer believed to be worth a total of £40m.

After failing to secure Johnson's signature, the Bees turned their attention to Gonzalez, submitting an initial £26m offer earlier this month, which was subsequently rejected by Fiorentina.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Brentford have now stepped up their pursuit with an improved £35m bid for the Argentina international.

If Fiorentina accepts Brentford's offer, it will represent the third time that the Bees have broken their transfer record during the summer transfer window.

After paying Freiburg £22m to convert Kevin Schade's loan move into a permanent deal, Brentford spent £23m to sign Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gonzalez, who has three years left on his contract, enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in 41 appearances.

The 25-year-old has also made a promising start to the season after finding the net in Saturday's 4-1 victory over Genoa.

While there is speculation surrounding his future, Gonzalez could be involved in tonight's clash with Rapid Vienna in the first leg of the Europa Conference League playoffs.

Gonzalez would add further quality to a Brentford attack that has started the new Premier League season in fine form.

Brentford have scored five goals in their opening two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, which have seen Frank's side pick up four points.

Bryan Mbuemo has found the net on three occasions, while Yoane Wissa has scored twice from the penalty spot in the first two games.