Arsenal could miss out on a second transfer target after a fresh update put Liverpool in a strong position in the race for Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola
17:26, 22 Jul 2026
Arsenal could be handed a major blow following the latest twist in their pursuit for Bradley Barcola with Liverpool reportedly confident of landing the £100million-rated star from Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners have been monitoring the attacker after missing out on the signing of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
Rogers completed the £117million move to Chelsea despite heavy interest from Arsenal but football.london understands the north London club were unwilling to pay what the Blues ended up agreeing with Aston Villa, with their value of Rogers being £80m.
It's also understood that Arsenal have a clear policy when it comes to player evaluations this summer and sporting director Andrea Berta wants to ensure that the club do not overspend on their targeted players.
Now Arsenal could be forced out of the race due to Barcola's steep valuation, with The Sun reporting that Liverpool are now leading the chase for the PSG winger and are confident of striking a deal despite suggestions that Barcola himself would prefer a move to the Gunners.
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Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation. Liverpool are determined to land a marquee forward following Mohamed Salah's departure, and after missing out on Yan Diomande, who is expected to join PSG from RB Leipzig once a replacement is secured.
Barcola has two years left on his contract and is believed to be open to a new challenge. PSG, meanwhile, are under pressure to raise funds as they pursue Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.
Arsenal have long held firm principles around spending, stretching back well before Mikel Arteta's tenure and even before the Kroenkes assumed full control. Under Arsene Wenger, he was meticulous about ensuring the club remained stable and never pushed beyond its limits.
That caution still remains. Even with record earnings from prize money, broadcasting and commercial revenue, Arsenal remain reluctant to go the extra distance to secure the players they want. The expectation is that they will not pursue high‑end targets like Barcola.
But Bruno Guimaraes is a different case. Any move for the Newcastle midfielder would require Arsenal to break from their comfort zone, with the Magpies adamant the Brazilian is not for sale. Shifting that stance would demand a substantial offer - one that goes beyond what Arsenal have historically been willing to commit.
Barcola's update comes after Arsenal and Newcastle are understood to have opened talks for Guimaraes, but football.london reports that much of the negotiation so far has taken place quietly through intermediaries. Agent Kia Joorabchian is involved and is helping shape the next steps in Bruno Guimaraes' future.
The Brazilian has made it clear to Newcastle that he wants to leave this summer in pursuit of major honours, with Arsenal his preferred destination and the Gunners equally keen on bringing him to north London.
However, Arsenal's valuation of the 28‑year‑old, who turns 29 in November and has under two years left on his contract, sits well below Newcastle's. After missing out on Rogers and with Barcola looking increasingly unlikely, pressure is mounting not to let another key target slip away.
However, the club remains keen to stick to their valuation of players.
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Arsenal have so far added Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier to their squad while Christos Tzolis is expected to become the next signing, with the winger already in north London to finalise a £34m transfer from Club Brugge.