Full details: Arsenal enter Bradley Barcola transfer race despite Liverpool preference

Arsenal have made contact with the entourage of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to TEAMtalk, firmly entering the race for a player who could finally resolve their left wing problem before the transfer window closes on September 1st.

Barcola has been one of the most coveted wide forwards in European football this summer, and Arsenal’s interest is well-documented. But the contact with the player’s team represents a meaningful step forward, a signal that the Gunners are no longer simply monitoring the situation but are actively pursuing a deal.

Since joining PSG from Lyon in the summer of 2023, Barcola has been central to one of the most successful periods in the French club’s history, three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and back-to-back Champions League triumphs. Last season, despite not being a regular starter, he still registered 20 goal contributions, underlining a level of output that would immediately address one of Arsenal’s most pressing concerns. Their left wing accounted for just ten Premier League goals last season.

His stock has risen further following an outstanding World Cup with France, where he contributed three goals and one assist before also scoring in the ten-goal third-place play-off thriller against England. He arrives at the peak of his powers and with his reputation at an all-time high.

Crucially, Barcola is unwilling to extend his stay at PSG despite having two years remaining on his contract, a detail that opens the door for interested parties, even if the French champions are not going to make the process easy.

The Liverpool problem and PSG’s asking price

PSG are rumoured to be demanding £128 million to sanction his sale and at this price would represent a monstrous fee and even one that rivals Liverpool have not yet committed to matching. 

Liverpool are leading the race for Bradley Barcola as it has been said that personal terms between the two camps would not be an issue and Barcola has given priority to Liverpool to complete a deal. 

Arsenal have now firmly entered the race and are described as willing to make a significant investment. Whether that willingness extends to meeting PSG’s £128 million valuation, and whether it is enough to change Barcola’s own preference, are the questions that will define this pursuit.

What Barcola could add

The interesting part of this story is such that despite Barcola giving his priority to Liverpool, no agree has been completed yet and hence the stumbling block may be the fee. If Arsenal are prepared to match PSG’s asking price, then Barcola may just be destined to head to the Gunners.

Barcola would bring pace and skill to an attack that struggled to break down low-blocks last year, his one-versus-one dribbling ability is the remedy for exactly that. Christos Tzolis has come in and done well in pre-season thus far but is somewhat a risk and Barcola would represent a significant upgrade in quality. 

Quality the Gunners need if they are to make a play for the Premier League again.