The battle for Bradley Barcola’s signature has taken a decisive turn. Reports now claim the PSG forward would prefer a move to London rather than Merseyside — handing Arsenal a real edge in this summer’s most talked-about transfer race.
With Leandro Trossard officially gone and Mikel Arteta looking to reshape his left flank, the timing couldn’t be better. But can the Gunners actually pull this off?
Barcola’s London Preference Gives Arsenal the Upper Hand
According to journalist Konstantinos Lianos, as reported by GiveMeSport, Barcola would favour living in the English capital if he were to leave Paris. That’s a significant detail. It places Arsenal ahead of Liverpool, who are also pushing hard to land the 23-year-old.
You can understand the logic. Barcola has spent his career in Lyon and Paris — two of France’s biggest cities. Swapping that lifestyle for London feels like a natural step.
Liverpool aren’t backing down, though. They see Barcola as a key replacement for Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield this summer. CaughtOffside reported that the Reds have made him a top target, particularly after missing out on Yan Diomande.
But Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the idea that this is a done deal for either club. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer insider said:
“I can guarantee that Barcola is keeping everything open. He’s not ‘not for sale’ — he’s not considered untouchable at PSG. But PSG want big money.”
That “big money” is precisely where things get complicated.
The €150m Obstacle — and Why PSG Might Still Budge
French outlet L’Equipe reports that PSG have set Barcola’s asking price at €150 million. That’s a staggering figure — clearly designed to ward off suitors rather than invite serious offers.
Barcola’s contract runs until 2028, so PSG aren’t under pressure to sell. They’ve signalled plans to offer him a new deal once his World Cup involvement wraps up. France were eliminated by Spain in the semifinal on July 14.
Here’s where it gets interesting, though. PSG are busy overhauling their attack this summer:
- Ferran Torres has agreed personal terms to join from Barcelona on a deal running to 2031, per transfer journalist Nicolo Schira.
- Yan Diomande is expected to arrive from RB Leipzig in a deal north of £100 million.
- Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco is also a target, with talks ongoing.
That’s a lot of incoming firepower. If two or three of those deals go through, Barcola’s already limited minutes could shrink further. And a player of his calibre won’t want to sit on the bench during his prime years — no matter how many Champions League medals he collects.
He’s already won back-to-back European titles with PSG, along with three consecutive Ligue 1 crowns. Despite all that silverware, he started just 35 of his 49 appearances last season. That pattern is a big part of why he’s reportedly open to a move.
What Barcola Would Bring to Arsenal
The numbers speak for themselves. Barcola registered 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions in 2025/26. In Ligue 1 alone, he was PSG’s top league scorer with 11 goals from 29 appearances.
He’s direct, pacy, and comfortable taking defenders on one-on-one. At 23, he’s entering what should be his peak years. For Arsenal, he’d represent a serious step up from Trossard, whose €20 million move to Besiktas was confirmed by the club on July 15.
Sky Sports noted that Arsenal are actively exploring options on the left wing, with Barcola and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers both in the picture. Rogers is understood to be the primary target, but Villa are reportedly demanding around £130 million — a fee that could push Arsenal firmly toward Barcola instead.
Could plan B become plan A? It wouldn’t be the first time in a transfer window.
Where This Saga Goes Next
Nothing is settled yet. PSG haven’t opened the door to a sale. Arsenal haven’t submitted a formal bid. And Barcola himself is keeping his options wide open.
But the pieces are falling into place. Trossard’s departure has created a clear vacancy. PSG’s incoming signings could squeeze Barcola out. And his reported preference for London gives Arsenal a card that Liverpool simply can’t match.
With the World Cup now behind him, expect this story to accelerate quickly. The next few weeks should tell us everything.
