**Arsenal legend Paul Merson wants the Gunners to make a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.**
The _Sky Sports_ pundit thinks the Premier League champions are being played by [**Vinicius Jr**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-transfer-news-vinicius-jr/) and his camp, with the Brazilian international seeking a new contract at Real Madrid. For that reason, he thinks that Mikel Arteta’s side should have a contingency plan in place:
“If Arsenal don’t get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola. They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left.”
“They left themselves very short in that position. And if Arsenal don’t get Vinicius or Barcola, then it’s a major worry.”
Barcola could cost more than Vinicius
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Reports in the French media claim that PSG have slapped an eyewatering €170m (£145m) asking price on the France international.
Even Vinicius would not cost that much, with it being suggested that Real president Florentino Perez would be prepared to sanction the forward’s sale for around €160m (£137m) if a new deal can’t be agreed over the coming days and weeks.
Arsenal would face stiff competition for the winger
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It looks like Liverpool are currently the favourites to sign Barcola, having been in talks with the player for several months. The 23-year-old is said to be keen on a transfer to Anfield, and the Reds are reportedly preparing a formal bid.
However, as the Gunners found out to their cost with Morgan Rogers, transfers can be hijacked, but they would need to move fast to win the race for Barcola.
As Merson points out, the big concern is that Arteta’s team will be strung along by Vinicius until the end of the transfer window, and they then leave it too late to go after Barcola. Fans will be hoping that scenario doesn’t come to pass.