Arsenal are expected to accelerate their transfer activity over the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad
Ben Pawlowski
05:00, 09 Jul 2026
Liverpool and Arsenal are firmly in the transfer race for PSG star Bradley Barcola
View 4 Images
Bradley Barcola is courting interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
Arsenal's summer transfer activity has yet to reach full momentum as preparations continue for defending their first Premier League title in 22 years. The sole senior addition to Mikel Arteta's squad thus far is Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who completed a £34.5million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen following a productive loan spell last season.
However, with the initial group of players scheduled to return to the Sobha Realty Training Centre next week for pre-season, proceedings are anticipated to intensify as focus shifts towards bolstering the squad ahead of the new campaign. Multiple arrivals and departures are expected throughout the forthcoming weeks as sporting director Andrea Berta seeks to maximise a reported £250m transfer budget.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
A new left winger and central midfielder remain Arsenal's principal targets as Arteta aims to secure consecutive Premier League titles and advance further in the Champions League. The Gunners have already been associated with numerous high-profile names in those positions, including Morgan Rogers, Rafael Leao, Bruno Guimaraes and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Football London examines the latest developments at the Emirates Stadium.
Bradley Barcola sent Arsenal transfer message
With Leandro Trossard anticipated to leave north London for Besiktas and Gabriel Martinelli having netted just once in the league last season, Arsenal are actively searching for a new left-winger. Among the most prominent names being discussed is Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old, presently representing France in the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup, allegedly informed the French giants earlier this month of his intention to seek a transfer. However, Arsenal's prospects of securing the winger seem to have suffered a setback after French legend Marcel Desailly advised Barcola to remain in Paris.
Bradley Barcola runs
View 4 Images
Barcola could leave PSG this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to Sportcasting, the former Chelsea defender said: "Barcola doesn't need to leave PSG. He's too young. He's only 23 years old. Didier Deschamps is teaching him a lesson, and he's giving him a chance."
He added: "He's young – the attention and defensive alertness isn't there to match the speed he projects when he's going forward. He wasn't making the effort to get back into position.
"So he's growing, he's learning and he's getting that winning mentality on both sides of the game – being available for the team structurally without the ball while also being the one who makes the difference, just as the older players are doing.
Marcel Desailly
View 4 Images
Marcel Desailly has urged Barcelona to stay at PSG to further his career(Image: Getty Images)
"So, should he move to the Premier League? Not yet. Not yet at all. Sorry, Arsenal and Liverpool fans. He should stay at PSG, play 25 games a season and grow within that system."
Gunners 'agree personal terms' with target
Arteta's quest for a new central midfielder has received a boost after reports suggested Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms with one of Barcola's France team-mates. According to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Arsenal have already conducted discussions with French midfielder Manu Kone and settled personal terms ahead of a potential transfer following the World Cup.
Manu Kone #6 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I football match between France and Iraq on 22 June 2026 at Philladelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
View 4 Images
Manu Kone has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, according to reports in Italy(Image: Jean Catuffe/DPPI/Shutterstock)
The 25-year-old has caught the eye for France this summer in the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni and would probably require a fee around £43million from current employers Roma. Arsenal supporters have already been offered a preview of what Kone could contribute after national team manager Deschamps heaped praise on the former Borussia Monchengladbach star.
"I repeat, Manu Kone is underrated," he said. "He's coming off a very good season with Roma, and he's becoming increasingly important for us with each training session. "He's very effective at winning the ball back, but he shouldn't be limited to that role of defensive midfielder because he also makes a difference in his use of the ball."
Article continues below
Thousands of Arsenal fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
Seat Unique
Buy official packages at Seat Unique
Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.