Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to sources close to the club, though Liverpool remain firmly in contention for the 23-year-old’s signature. The potential transfer fee could reach £130 million, making it a British record should a deal be completed.
Negotiations over a contract extension between Barcola and PSG have stalled, raising the possibility of a summer exit for the France international, who has earned 26 caps for his country. While PSG publicly maintain that Barcola is not for sale, his representatives reportedly informed the club prior to the World Cup that he was seeking to evaluate his options due to a diminished role within Luis Enrique’s squad.
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola dates back to last summer, but has intensified following the departure of Mohamed Salah from Anfield. The Reds have identified Barcola as a priority target after Yan Diomande, a previous target, indicated his preference to join PSG. Arsenal, meanwhile, are seeking a new left-sided attacker and view Barcola as an ideal addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Lewis Steele, Merseyside correspondent for the Daily Mail, reported that he received information suggesting Arsenal believe they are currently leading the race for Barcola, despite also pursuing Morgan Rogers, who is also valued at £130 million. However, Steele acknowledged the situation remains fluid and a definitive outcome is not yet certain. Graeme Bailey, TransfersDaily’s transfer correspondent, confirmed that Barcola’s camp are actively exploring a move, though it would require a substantial fee to convince PSG to part ways with the player.
Barcola has become increasingly frustrated with his limited playing time at PSG, particularly in the Champions League, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue now preferred in the club’s attacking positions. Should Barcola depart, it would provide PSG with funds to pursue their own targets, including Diomande. The possibility of securing both Rogers and Barcola would represent a significant investment for Arsenal, but the club’s willingness to pursue both players demonstrates their ambition in the transfer market.
