Liverpool may have been handed a transfer boost in its pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with PSG reportedly slashing their asking price after the Reds maintained their stance
Bradley Barcola (12) of France during the World Cup
The Bradley Barcola transfer saga remains ongoing(Image: Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Liverpool's patient approach in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola could be paying off, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly lowering their asking price for the winger.
Barcola remains a key target for the Reds and has also attracted interest from Arsenal, with new head coach Andoni Iraola looking to strengthen his forward line following Mohamed Salah's departure. The 23-year-old is reportedly open to a move to Anfield, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. Liverpool view Barcola as a player capable of making an immediate impact on either flank.
PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye is also on Liverpool's radar, with reports in France stating that the Reds have agreed personal terms with the young striker. Talks with PSG are continuing as Liverpool explore the possibility of completing a double swoop for the two attackers.
PSG had previously placed a valuation of around $173 million (£145 million) on the France international, a figure Liverpool were unwilling to meet. However, reports now suggest the French champions could reduce their demands to as little as $149 million, (£110 million) potentially bringing the two clubs closer to an agreement.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux reports that PSG's recent transfer activity, including the additions of Ferran Torres and Mika Godts to bolster their attack, could see the club relax its demands for Barcola.
The Ligue 1 giants have invested around €150 million in their squad this summer, although much of that spending has been offset by player sales. As a result, PSG are under no immediate pressure to sell further players.
Liverpool is said to have submitted an improved €135 million ($158 million) bid to PSG for Barcola as they step up their efforts to sign the 23-year-old. Barcola is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, while the Reds have significantly increased their offer after previous proposals were understood to be worth just over €100 million ($115 million).
Bradley Barcola in action for France during the World Cup
Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool's top target this summer(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool's latest bid is aimed at convincing PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to sanction Barcola's departure. The decision to raise their offer was reportedly aided by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos becoming involved in Liverpool's ownership structure.
Rather than immediately rejecting the $158 million proposal, PSG executives are now understood to be considering the offer. Senior figures at the French club are reportedly open to lowering their demands in an attempt to resolve the situation and avoid a repeat of the protracted saga surrounding Kylian Mbappe's departure.
Barcola was an unused substitute in PSG's UEFA Super Cup defeat before being left out of the squad altogether for the Trophée des Champions clash with Lens. The winger also kept a low profile and avoided reporters as he left the stadium, further fuelling speculation that his time in Paris could be coming to an end.
It remains unclear whether Barcola has made his final appearance for the European champions, with the transfer deadline fast approaching. However, given the size of the potential deal, negotiations could still take time to complete.