Arsenal are now said to be ready to step up their bid to land a World Cup target. The Gunners have just a handful of needs during this summer transfer window, having enjoyed a hugely impressive season of last, winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Mikel Arteta will want to add to his squad to ensure the Gunners continue to take steps forward, but it's not a squad with major holes, which should make this summer a relatively comfortable one for recruitment chief Andrea Berta.
A striker, left-winger, midfielder and a right-back are likely to be on Arsenal's wishlist, and only two of those are likely to be signed as starters.
Left-winger identified
Bradley Barcola PSG
The left-winger spot is by far the most important for Arsenal this summer, given it is a clear gap in this impressive starting XI. Leandro Trossard impressed on the left in the season just gone, but Arsenal need an elite winger who is going to terrify defences on that side, in a similar way to Bukayo Saka on the right.
It appears as though the Gunners already know who they want, too, with PSG's Bradley Barcola reportedly identified as the prime summer target.
Barcola is a versatile forward who prefers to play on the left, but starts there have been hard to come by due to the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia*,* who is immovable when it comes to picking a starting XI.
Still, Barcola scored 13 and provided seven assists during another hugely impressive PSG season, and he has also impressed for France already at this World Cup. Barcola was described as 'crazy fast' by Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike last year, and it is that kind of pace Arsenal want to add on that left side this summer.
Arsenal begin the process to sign Barcola
Bradley Barcola (France)Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
Following reports Barcola is considering his PSG future, Arsenal are said to be stepping up their interest. The Independent claim the North London side are now having conversations to understand what it will take to sign the 23-year-old ahead of launching a formal bid.
Liverpool are also said to be interested, but it is Arsenal who are most serious about a move, and they are ready to press ahead.
The big question will be the World Cup and how the competition will impact negotiations. Barcola is unlikely to have any discussions about his future while representing France in North America, so it's likely a deal will have to wait until after Les Bleus finish their participation, and that is likely to be pretty late in the tournament. Though that does not stop Arsenal agreeing terms with PSG in the meantime.
Early suggestions claim PSG want as much as 130million euros, or £112.6million, to sell Barcola this summer.
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