Arsenal are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola after receiving encouragement that the French club would consider a transfer. According to the BBC, the north London side is ready to formalize interest in the 23-year-old, who has also been identified as a target for Liverpool following their unsuccessful pursuit of Yan Diomande.
Why is Arsenal targeting Bradley Barcola?
Arsenal’s move for Barcola centers on the need for a consistent starter on the left wing. Sporting director Andrea Berta is looking to strengthen the squad following their recent Premier League title win. The current left-wing rotation involving Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard has not provided the consistency manager Mikel Arteta demands, according to reports.
While Martinelli recorded 11 goals across all competitions last season, only one of those strikes came in league play. Consequently, the club is scouting alternatives to provide a more reliable presence opposite Bukayo Saka. Barcola, who registered 13 goals and seven assists last season, emerged as a top candidate during PSG’s successful Ligue 1 and Champions League campaign.
Bradley Barcola was omitted from the starting lineup for the Champions League final against Arsenal, with Luis Enrique opting for Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia instead.
How do the valuations compare between targets?
The financial requirements for securing an elite attacker remain steep. PSG reportedly value Barcola at €135m (£116m) after it was reported that he asked to leave the club. This valuation places him in a similar tier to other high-profile targets currently on the market.
Arsenal is also monitoring Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers. Villa has placed a £130m price tag on the 23-year-old, who scored 10 goals and registered six assists during the 2025/26 Premier League season. The following table illustrates the high-stakes nature of these potential transfers:
| Player | Current Club | Reported Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley Barcola | PSG | €135m (£116m) |
| Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa | £130m |
What is the status of the competition with Liverpool?
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola follows a failed attempt to sign Yan Diomande. According to reports, Diomande has signaled that his top destination is PSG, effectively forcing Liverpool to pivot toward other options. Arsenal intends to monitor Barcola closely during France’s World Cup last-32 match against Sweden to determine if he fits their long-term tactical requirements.
Keep an eye on international tournament performances. Scouts often use World Cup matches to assess how players perform under the pressure of high-stakes, knockout-style football.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Arsenal want to sell Gabriel Martinelli? Reports indicate the club is looking to upgrade the left-wing position due to a lack of league-level productivity from the current rotation.
- Who is Liverpool’s primary target? Liverpool initially pursued Yan Diomande, but the player has expressed a preference for moving to PSG.
- How much does PSG want for Barcola? PSG has set an asking price of €135m (£116m) for the winger.
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