PSG
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Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the Gunners reportedly prepared to meet the French club’s £42 million valuation following the 22-year-old’s standout performance in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, according to El Nacional.
Barcola played a decisive role in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in Munich, assisting the final goal and showcasing the pace and flair that have caught the eye of several European clubs. His impact has not gone unnoticed at the Emirates, where new sporting director Andrea Berta is spearheading an ambitious summer recruitment drive to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Although Barcola came off the bench in the 70th minute, he made an immediate impression, almost scoring a solo effort before setting up Senny Mayulu for the fifth goal in the 85th minute. His contributions capped off a historic night for PSG, who lifted their first-ever Champions League trophy and completed a treble, having also won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
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Arsenal, keen to bolster their forward line after an inconsistent season from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, see Barcola as a perfect addition. The French winger has delivered 23 goals and 19 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions this season. In Ligue 1, he registered 14 goals and 10 assists in 34 games, while contributing three goals and three assists in the Champions League.
His attacking stats highlight his efficiency: a 0.48 goal-per-game ratio, 117 total shots (with 59 on target), and an 84% pass completion rate. In the Coupe de France final, where he netted a brace and set up a third, Barcola earned a 9.4 rating from Sofascore, further underlining his big-game credentials.
Arsenal - Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola celebrates winning the Champions League with PSG (Image credit: Getty Images)
Barcola’s ability to play on both wings, combined with his pace, dribbling and clinical finishing, offers a significant upgrade over current options. His 23% shot conversion rate compares favourably with Martinelli’s 17%, and his explosive style fits well with Arteta’s tactical vision. Arsenal fans on social media have already urged the club to “break the bank” for the France U21 international, praising his “electric pace and end product.”
The Gunners’ interest also stems from Barcola’s potential to rejuvenate the attacking dynamic, particularly alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, whose creativity has been hampered by injuries. Barcola’s presence could be the key to unlocking the midfield and reviving Arsenal’s cutting edge in the final third.
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However, Arsenal are not alone in the chase. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation, while PSG may be open to selling the winger following the January arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, which has pushed Barcola into a rotational role.
With Barcola reportedly hesitant to renew his contract, running until 2028 and having recently switched representation from Jorge Mendes to Moussa Sissoko, PSG are understood to be open to a sale at the right price. This, coupled with Arsenal’s likely summer outgoings, could make the £42 million deal financially feasible.
Bradley Barcola is viewed within the Arsenal hierarchy as a long-term investment with star potential. If a deal is completed, he could become a marquee signing that signals Arsenal’s intent to mount a serious Premier League title challenge in the 2025/26 season.
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