Arsenal have entered the running to snap up Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, according to reports in the French media.
The 23-year-old is currently locked in contract talks with PSG but Le10Sport claim that initial discussions have not gone to plan.
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It is believed the European champions offered Barcola a new deal on improved terms, but the player and his entourage are not happy with the proposal.
While there is no immediate need to sell the France international, whose contract expires in 2028, a departure next summer cannot be completely ruled out.
Arsenal could be challenged by a Premier League rival
The Gunners are not the only team keeping tabs on Barcola’s situation with Le10Sport reporting that Liverpool also hold a “very active” interest in the player.
That is not a surprise, considering the Reds may soon need a replacement for Mo Salah, who has been left out of their squad for their Champions League match against Inter Milan.
One scout has described Barcola as “one of the best wingers in the world” so his availability will attract plenty of attention.
Does Arteta need Barcola?
Manager Mikel Arteta does have several options out wide, but there are doubts over the future of both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
While Trossard did sign a new contract in the summer, it did not extend the 30-year-old’s stay beyond 2027, so there is still a possibility that the Belgian will leave the Emirates at the end of season, despite Arteta having recently praised his abilities.
Martinelli, meanwhile, has struggled to produce consistent form for the last two and a half seasons, and there is a feeling that a sale would be considered if the price is right. In that context, there are good reasons why the club would be keeping an eye on Barcola.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here