Liverpool are facing an uphill battle in their attempt to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola this summer, with Arsenal emerging as the current frontrunners for his signature. According to journalist Lewis Steele, speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, Barcola may prefer a move to the Gunners due to the influence of manager Mikel Arteta and the appeal of living in London.
Liverpool identified Barcola as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian’s departure in May, but their pursuit has been complicated by a failed attempt to sign Yan Diomande, who instead opted to join PSG. While Liverpool have made ‘fresh contact’ with Barcola’s camp, Steele suggests the club’s diminished appeal after a less successful season may be a factor.
Barcola’s future at PSG is uncertain due to increased competition for places following the arrivals of several attacking players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele. He saw his playing time reduced towards the end of last season, and played a limited role in PSG’s Champions League campaign, reportedly convincing him that his long-term future lies elsewhere. Despite Luis Enrique and Luis Campos both being admirers of the player, they acknowledge his desire for regular first-team football.
PSG are expected to demand a fee of around €120m (£103m, $138m) for Barcola, particularly given his recent success with the French national team. Steele believes this high valuation, combined with Liverpool’s recent transfer setbacks, will make securing his signature a “very, very hard” task. The club are now reportedly assessing alternative winger options after missing out on their primary target. Barcola’s potential arrival at Arsenal would bolster their attacking options and provide further competition for places in Arteta’s squad.
