Bradley Barcola is the top target for Liverpool ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, and talks with Paris Saint-Germain have supposedly been ramped up to find a resolution
Bradley Barcola in action for PSG against Bayern Munich
Bradley Barcola in action for PSG against Bayern Munich(Image: Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be holding "key talks" to determine the outcome of the Bradley Barcola transfer saga that has dragged on for several weeks.
According to The Athletic, meetings are being held on Tuesday. The 23-year-old is "committed" to moving to Anfield, but no agreement has been reached yet on a fee between the clubs. Previously, PSG has been demanding as much as $195 million (£145 million) for the player, who has two years left on his contract.
That would be around $25 million (£20 million) more than Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak a year ago when it broke the British transfer record, with the Reds hoping for a reduction in the asking price.
Already this summer, PSG has signed Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts to bolster its forward line. It has also sold Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in.
Barcola is open to leaving PSG and is only tied down at the Parc des Princes until 2028. He does not intend to pen an extension in the meantime and wants more game time.
Liverpool wanted Yan Diomande earlier this summer before he moved to Real Madrid, as it looks to replace Mohamed Salah. Barcola has since been the top target.
Bradley Barcola in World Cup action for France
Bradley Barcola in World Cup action for France(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Salah departed a year ahead of his contract expiring, with that decision made public in March. Barcola has speculatively been put forward as an option for Arsenal too after the Gunners missed out on Vinicius Jr.
"If they have the funds, they have to do it," former Reds man Jermaine Pennant said this week when he was asked about Barcola.
"If you've lost a player like Mohamed Salah, you have to replace him with a player of similar caliber.
"You need someone who can get past players quickly, assist, and attack. Barcola's pace goes a long way. Liverpool desperately needs a marquee winger, so I think you have to pay.
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"For Liverpool, it's tough because they need more than one player, but I'd go for Bradley Barcola. They desperately need that attacking threat."
With a week to go in the transfer window, an outcome one way or the other is nearing.
Liverpool.com says: Not getting Barcola over the line at this point doesn't really feel like an option. Liverpool needs more quality in the final third, and he would be a big plus. Alongside him, someone like Yankuba Minteh would be welcome too, and even then, Cody Gakpo should stay. Andoni Iraola can't be left short of numbers in a vital area.