Arsenal and Chelsea have been told by Paris Saint-Germain that they can’t buy winger Bradley Barcola.
The Gunners are looking to add a winger this summer to strengthen their depth up front, after a season where both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli suffered injuries and missed time. Furthermore, the latter has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich in recent days.
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With that in mind, Arsenal are wanting to bring in a left-winger, and have been strongly linked to signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is estimated to cost around £70m. It is understood that Madrid aren’t looking to sell him.
As an alternative, Arsenal have shown an interest in PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who is expected to cost £100m. Chelsea had also been linked to the 22-year-old, who scored 21 goals, and provided 20 assists last season,
But, according to a fresh update by French newspaper L’Equipe, PSG have rejected any approach from Arsenal and Chelsea, and are keen to sign him to a new long-term contract. Manager Luis Enrique sees him as a key player for PSG, and doesn’t want to sell him.
The PSG boss was quoted earlier in the season by VIPSG talking about Barcola. He said: “He’s a player with fantastic progression. I like everything about him. He brings speed, dribbling ability, and also defensive work.”
Who could Arsenal sign instead?
Now that it seems that Barcola is off the table, the Gunners will need to look at different options. One name that had been a priority was Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. However, it is understood that he is holding out for a move to Barcelona.
Other names that Arsenal have been linked to include Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, although it is unclear at this point as to whether Chelsea would be willing to sell him to a rival.
With that in mind, it takes us back to Rodrygo, who could force a move out of Real Madrid if he would prefer the guarantee of more regular game time by moving to Arsenal.
Click here to see the Arsenal squad heading into next season.