Arsenal’s summer just got a lot more complicated. After losing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea in a record-breaking £117m deal, the Gunners now face another blow. Liverpool are reportedly confident they’ll beat Mikel Arteta’s side to sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
It’s a transfer saga that’s picking up serious pace. And right now, the momentum is firmly on Merseyside.
Why Liverpool Feel They’re in the Driving Seat
According to The Sun, Liverpool believe they’re ahead of Arsenal and are now “in the driving seat” to land the France international. The Reds have already submitted an opening bid of around £85m, per French journalist Sebastien Vidal.
That won’t be enough, though. L’Equipe reports that PSG have slapped a €150m (roughly £127.5m) price tag on the 23-year-old. There’s a significant gap to bridge.
Still, Liverpool aren’t backing down. They’ve made Barcola their number-one attacking target following Mohamed Salah’s departure from Anfield. Andoni Iraola’s side already brought in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but they want more firepower.
Can you blame them? Replacing a player of Salah’s calibre requires serious investment.
Liverpool’s pursuit has intensified since their failed moves for Yan Diomande and Michael Olise earlier this window. With Diomande favouring a switch to PSG, the Reds pivoted quickly toward Barcola.
Arsenal’s Uphill Battle
Arsenal’s situation looks tricky. The Morgan Rogers saga stung badly. The Gunners tracked Rogers for months, only for Chelsea — under new boss Xabi Alonso — to swoop in with a blockbuster offer Villa couldn’t refuse.
Rogers even appeared to take a dig at Arsenal after signing, calling Chelsea “the biggest club in London.” Ouch.
Now, with Barcola, Arsenal seem to be playing catch-up. Fabrizio Romano reported that the Gunners haven’t made fresh contact with either Barcola’s camp or PSG since losing Rogers. That’s a worrying sign for fans at the Emirates.
Here’s what’s working against Arsenal in this race:
- Liverpool have already lodged an official bid; Arsenal haven’t.
- The Reds can offer a clear starting role as Salah’s successor.
- Data analytics firm SciSports ranks Liverpool as Barcola’s best career fit worldwide, with Arsenal way down in 24th.
- PSG have even offered Barcola to Manchester United, widening the field further.
Arteta clearly needs attacking reinforcements. But does Arsenal’s transfer strategy allow for another £100m-plus deal after a summer of heavy spending?
What Barcola Brings to the Table
There’s a reason clubs across Europe are chasing this player. Barcola contributed 20 goals and assists in 49 appearances for PSG last season. He’s won two Champions League trophies and three Ligue 1 titles since joining from Lyon in 2023.
Despite that, his role at PSG shrank. He found himself behind Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue in the pecking order, starting on the bench for the Champions League final.
That frustration appears to have pushed him toward the exit door. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate his representatives have been actively exploring options for weeks. PSG publicly insist he’s not for sale, but privately? The club is already eyeing replacements in Diomande and Maghnes Akliouche.
Barcola has two years remaining on his PSG contract. That gives the French club leverage, but it also means they risk losing value if he doesn’t sign an extension.
At 23, he’s entering his prime years. Whoever lands him gets a player with elite European pedigree and room to grow.
This transfer won’t be resolved quickly. PSG’s asking price remains steep, and there’s still a World Cup hangover to navigate after France’s semi-final exit. But the direction of travel is clear. Liverpool are pushing hard, Arsenal are hesitating, and Barcola’s camp is ready for a move. Don’t be surprised if this one gets wrapped up before August.
