Liverpool are considering walking away from their pursuit of Bradley Barcola after failing to make sufficient progress in talks with Paris Saint-Germain, a development that could reshape Arsenal’s options in the final weeks of the transfer window.
The France international has been one of Liverpool’s leading attacking targets following Mohamed Salah’s departure, but PSG’s valuation has proved a major obstacle.
The French champions are seeking around £145 million for the 23-year-old and have so far resisted attempts to negotiate that figure down.
According to The Standard, Liverpool are not prepared to meet those demands and are now weighing whether to redirect their attention elsewhere rather than spend the remainder of the window locked in difficult negotiations.
That change in position is significant for Arsenal.
The Premier League champions have retained an interest in Barcola while reviewing their attacking shortlist following Vinicius Junior’s decision to sign a new Real Madrid contract until 2032.
Arsenal have not yet reached the stage of formal talks with PSG, but Barcola remains one of the higher-profile options under consideration as the club look for another forward capable of raising the level of the squad.
Liverpool had previously appeared better placed.
Barcola is understood to have been receptive to a move to Anfield, and discussions over personal terms were not regarded as problematic, but that has counted for little without agreement between the clubs.
PSG’s stance has remained firm despite the winger’s uncertain position in the starting XI.
Barcola featured heavily last season but did not start either of PSG’s most recent Champions League finals, fuelling speculation that he could be open to a different challenge.
He still delivered strong numbers, contributing 13 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances, and remains one of the most highly-rated young wide players in Europe.
Arsenal have already added Christos Tzolis this summer, but the club remain open to another significant attacking signing for the left wing if the right opportunity emerges.
Barcola’s ability to attack defenders directly, carry the ball at speed and operate from both flanks makes him an obvious fit for the profile Arsenal have been assessing.
Liverpool potentially stepping aside would reduce the competition, but it would not automatically make a deal straightforward.
The £145m price remains far above the level Arsenal have so far shown any willingness to consider, meaning PSG would still need to compromise before a move became realistic.
For now, Arsenal can continue to observe rather than force the issue.
If Liverpool formally end their pursuit and PSG eventually soften their financial demands, the transfer race could look very different by the time the deadline approaches.