Liverpool and Arsenal are both monitoring the situation of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with reports suggesting the player is open to a move this summer. According to sources close to the player, Barcola has become frustrated with his limited role at PSG and has informed the club of his desire to seek a new challenge.
Barcola, 23, recently impressed for France at the World Cup finals, scoring twice and providing one assist as his nation progressed to the last 16. However, he struggled for consistent starts for Luis Enrique’s side towards the end of last season, and fears he is now behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doué and Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order. This perceived lack of opportunity has fuelled his desire to leave the Parc des Princes.
Despite this, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that PSG have initially placed a “not for sale” notice on the France international, valuing him at a figure exceeding the £116 million Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson. The club maintains they do not need to sell, having already agreed deals for outgoing transfers including Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan.
However, TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool officials have held recent talks with Barcola’s representatives and received encouragement that a deal can be struck. The Merseyside club are reportedly considering Barcola as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, and have drawn up a six-man shortlist of wingers, with Barcola now considered the top target. Arsenal are also heavily interested, with BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel claiming they are prepared to lead the race for his signature and had scouts present at France’s recent World Cup match.
PSG are understood to be reluctantly willing to consider his exit, acknowledging Barcola’s desire for regular first-team football, something they are increasingly unable to guarantee given their wealth of attacking options. Should Barcola depart, he is expected to have multiple offers, potentially sparking a bidding war between the two Premier League clubs. The situation mirrors a recent pursuit of Yan Diomande, who ultimately chose PSG over Liverpool, and the Reds will be keen to avoid a repeat outcome.
