Arsenal and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head in the summer transfer window for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but the Gunners have received a significant blow in their pursuit of the French talent.
According to reports, the 23-year-old attacker is keen to join Liverpool this summer. The Reds had shown strong interest in Barcola last year, only for the player to remain at PSG. Now, under Arne Slot, Liverpool have renewed their interest with greater intensity, and Barcola himself is reportedly very open to making the switch to Anfield.
Barcola, valued at approximately £61 million by Transfermarkt, has struggled for regular starting minutes at the Parc des Princes, often playing behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The French international is eager for a more prominent role next season, something Liverpool appear well-positioned to offer as they build on their Premier League title success.
For Arsenal, the development represents a notable complication. Sporting director Andrea Berta has identified the need for a new winger, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s future. The Gunners have been strongly linked with Barcola and could assess him in person during the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest. However, the player’s clear preference for Liverpool puts Arsenal at risk of missing out on one of their key targets.
PSG are now understood to be open to selling the winger, creating a window of opportunity for Premier League clubs. Arsenal also hold an interest in another PSG youngster, Senny Mayulu, as they explore options to strengthen their attack.
The situation highlights the competitive nature of the upcoming transfer window. While Arsenal have been proactive in their planning, Barcola’s desire to join the reigning champions could prove decisive. Liverpool’s ability to offer immediate prominence in a title-winning squad gives them a distinct advantage in negotiations.
As the summer approaches, Arsenal will need to act decisively if they are to secure their preferred targets. Missing out on Barcola would not only represent a setback in their squad rebuild but could also hand a significant boost to one of their closest rivals. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Gunners can pivot effectively or if Liverpool will secure the signature of a player many view as a high-upside addition.