Arsenal are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The Gunners are poised to make multiple signings this summer. The focus could be on strengthening their attack to defend their Premier League title.
The left wing has been a problematic position for the club, and a marquee solution could be sought.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has now confirmed that the Gunners have ‘genuine interest’ in landing Barcola as they seek to add an ‘important offensive player’.
The club still need to decide internally whether to pursue a winger or a centre-forward.
Romano said: “There is genuine interest from Arsenal. Arsenal like Barcola. Arsenal are considering adding an important offensive player. We have to see whether he’s going to be a winger or striker. The Gunners have to decide internally what they want to do.”
Barcola would be a top-class signing
Arsenal made three forward signings in Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze last summer. Madueke was signed to provide cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Eze was seen as a potential competitor to Martin Odegaard in the number 10 role, while Gyokeres was touted to lead the line. All three have made meaningful contributions.
The club could not land a marquee left winger to their ranks, but that could happen this time around with the opportunity of one or two players heading for the exit door.
Gabriel Jesus is one of the strikers who is expected to depart. In the wide attacking department, Leandro Trossard could make way as he enters the last year of his contract.
The Belgian was superb during the first half of the season with regular contributions. He had a big dip in form in 2026, but recently scored a memorable winner at West Ham United.
The 31-year-old was handed a pay rise last summer without renewing his contract beyond June 2027. This suggests that the club could part ways with him for a reasonable price.
Gabriel Martinelli has likewise struggled with his form in recent months. The Brazilian has a contract until next year, but the club have the option to extend for another 12 months.
Arsenal are more likely to keep him to compete with the marquee signing. Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with him, and this could yet open the opportunity to swap him with Barcola.
Barcola would be a brilliant acquisition for the Gunners. He made a stunning 42 goal contributions in the 2024/25 campaign, but that has dipped to just 20 during the ongoing season.
However, this has been primarily influenced by the emergence of Desire Doue on the right wing and the fierce competition from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who arrived in January last year.
Barcola has stalled on a new PSG deal beyond June 2028 as a result.
If PSG decide to sell him, they will no doubt seek a profit on the £43 million spent to land him from Lyon. It could take at least £65-70m to prise him away from Les Parisiens.
Barcola would be a good upgrade on Trossard and Martinelli. He is known for his impressive work rate and high pressing, and he has the ability to score from outside the box.
He also possesses good pace and dribbling skills on the counter-attack. Barcola could become the main man for the Gunners on the left wing, which he is no longer at PSG.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com