Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make a move for Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola, facing competition from fellow Premier League club Liverpool. The 23-year-old winger was reportedly watched by an Arsenal delegation during France's match against Sweden on Tuesday.
Barcola has been a long-term target for Arsenal. However, PSG is currently working to bring in new players such as Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco. Despite these potential additions, PSG has no immediate plans to sell Barcola. The club is also managing outgoing transfers, including Kang-in Lee to Atletico Madrid, Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan, and discussions with Juventus over Randal Kolo Muani's departure. These sales are expected to create financial flexibility for PSG, allowing them to pursue new signings without needing to offload Barcola.
Sources indicate that Barcola is not inclined to sign a new contract with PSG and is aware of Liverpool's significant interest. Arsenal's strategy, under Andrea Berta, often involves parallel negotiations until deals are finalized. The club has also reportedly bid for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and inquired about Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Additionally, Arsenal has been offered winger Christos Tzolis from Bruges and has spoken with representatives of Kerim Alajbegović from Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal is aiming to sign approximately four new players this transfer window, with an emphasis on high quality. Barcola is seen as a player who fits this profile, and Arsenal believes he would be open to a move, though they anticipate significant competition from other clubs.
If PSG were to consider selling Barcola, they would likely demand a transfer fee comparable to British record transfer figures, especially if the player were to push for an exit. Arsenal has also shown interest in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, but the Midlands club is reluctant to sell and would also command a substantial fee.