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Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has emerged as a top target for both Liverpool and Arsenal—and it's the Merseyside club that the French international is reportedly "leaning towards" should a summer move materialize.
That's the word from journalist Ben Jacobs, who revealed on the Born 'N Red Podcast that a move to Anfield would be Barcola's preferred destination if both Liverpool and Arsenal were to reach an agreement with the reigning back-to-back Champions League champions.
Barcola has dominated transfer speculation throughout the summer, with the Premier League widely regarded as the only viable destination for the 23-year-old should he depart PSG. The winger is reportedly receptive to a move due to fierce competition for starting spots in Paris, though PSG's position suggests it would require a staggering offer—reportedly approaching $200 million—to persuade them to part ways before the window shuts.
Liverpool have been the frontrunners in the race for Barcola's signature, and while negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, an initial offer for the winger has already been turned down. Arsenal, meanwhile, had been pursuing an ambitious swoop for Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, but those hopes were dashed on Thursday when the Brazilian star ended a 19-month transfer saga by signing a new six-year deal to remain at the Bernabéu.
Arsenal shifting their focus to Barcola—widely considered the finest left winger currently on the market—makes sense in theory, but they find themselves behind Liverpool in the pursuit, with the Reds having identified the PSG winger as their primary target for several weeks.
Transfer Fee Only Obstacle in Liverpool's Barcola Pursuit
Barcola may be drawn to the prospect of joining Liverpool on Merseyside, but the significant sticking point of agreeing a transfer fee between the two clubs threatens to scupper the deal before it gains any real momentum.
French outlet L'Equipe reports that Barcola and Liverpool have already reached an agreement on personal terms, but the speedy winger has no intention of forcing his way out of PSG, leaving his fate in the hands of the two clubs as they continue to negotiate.
The report indicates that PSG are using recent Premier League transfers—such as Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City and Morgan Rogers's switch to Chelsea—as benchmarks in their valuation of Barcola. Liverpool, however, appear reluctant to exceed the $138 million (€120 million, £102 million) mark.
L'Equipe reports that despite the gap in valuations, discussions between the clubs are continuing and both parties remain willing to negotiate. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi is anticipated to hold talks with Liverpool's top brass in the near future.
Arsenal Reeling in Bid to Reinforce Attack
Arsenal had set their sights high with their pursuit of Vinícius Jr, but Mikel Arteta must now turn his attention elsewhere in search of a top-quality attacking addition.
Beyond the Vinícius Jr setback, Arsenal had already lost out to Chelsea in their bid to sign Rogers, and even teenage prospect Jeremy Monga admitted it was a "no-brainer" to choose Manchester City over the Gunners. That said, it hasn't been an entirely fruitless window for Arsenal, with central midfielder Bruno Guimarães set to arrive in north London from Newcastle in a deal valued at $100.7 million (£75 million).
Christos Tzolis has also joined the club, essentially stepping into the shoes of the departed Leandro Trossard, but Arteta is still seeking another high-caliber forward as he looks to solidify Arsenal's standing at the summit of English football.
Smooth as Tzolis 🧊 pic.twitter.com/Vozx7Pb6f6
With Barcola now seemingly preferring Liverpool, however, Arsenal's options are narrowing rapidly. Alternative left wingers remain available, but very few possess the match-winning qualities of Vinícius Jr or Barcola.
Should Arsenal genuinely want a marquee attacking signing, revisiting their earlier interest in striker Julian Álvarez could prove to be the most viable route. While Atlético Madrid appear reluctant to sell Álvarez to his dream club Barcelona, if the player is eager for a way out, Los Rojiblancos may be more willing to do business with the Gunners.
Whatever direction Arsenal choose to take, they must move swiftly to bolster an attack that underperformed in 2025–26 despite clinching the Premier League title. Tzolis stepping in for Trossard is unlikely to be sufficient on its own, and the coming weeks will be pivotal for Arteta and his squad.