Arsenal‘s pursuit of Bradley Barcola continues to gather momentum as Mikel Arteta looks to add another elite attacking option before the new season.
The PSG winger has been repeatedly linked with the Gunners this summer, with Arsenal understood to admire his pace, direct running and ability to play across the frontline.
While any deal would be hugely complicated given PSG’s reluctance to weaken their squad, Barcola remains one of the standout names on Arsenal’s shortlist as they continue searching for greater attacking depth.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Lewis Steele is regarded as a reliable Liverpool reporter with strong contacts around Anfield, particularly on club-specific developments and contract situations. While he is not primarily known for breaking major transfer exclusives, his information is generally well sourced, especially when reporting on Liverpool’s plans, departures and internal decision-making processes. |
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Finances |
A move for Barcola would be extremely difficult. PSG view him as an important player, meaning any deal would likely require well over £116m. Arsenal have the financial strength to compete, but that level of spending would probably depend on significant sales and PSG softening their current stance. |
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Insight |
Barcola emerged through Lyon’s academy before establishing himself in the first team, with a big-money move to Paris following in 2023. There, he has developed into a regular starter, won a plethora of major trophies and has broken into the senior France squad with his consistent performances. |
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Impact |
Barcola would add another level of speed and unpredictability to Arsenal’s attack. His willingness to run directly at defenders would create space for teammates, while his growing end product would ease the burdens on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke. At 23, he also offers the potential to improve even further under Arteta. |
Now, respected Liverpool journalist Lewis Steele believes Arsenal could hold an important advantage if the France international ever decides he wants a new challenge.
Arsenal handed Bradley Barcola boost amid Liverpool disadvantage
Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, Steele suggested Barcola may view Arsenal as a more attractive destination than Liverpool for several reasons.
“He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal,” said Steele.
Steele believes lifestyle and Arteta’s reputation could both influence the player’s thinking if a transfer ever became realistic.
“He’s probably looking at [Mikel] Arteta, and he might want to live in the capital city of London.”
He also questioned whether Liverpool currently carry the same appeal they once did for players competing for Europe’s biggest honours.
“Liverpool aren’t as glamorous an option as they may have been 12 months ago.”
Those comments will naturally fuel further speculation around Arsenal’s interest, although convincing PSG to negotiate remains another matter entirely.
What Barcola would bring to Arsenal in potential £116m-plus deal
Barcola has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting young wide forwards since arriving from Lyon in 2023.
His acceleration, close control and confidence in one-v-one situations have made him a regular for PSG, while his numbers have continued to improve with every season.
All in all, despite a slight drop off last campaign in terms of goals and assists, the former Lyon star has racked up 39 goals and 37 assists in 152 appearances for the Ligue 1 and European champions.
His willingness to attack defenders directly has become one of his biggest strengths, while his movement away from the ball allows him to create space for teammates as well as himself.
Those qualities are exactly the type of profile Arsenal have been searching for.
The 23-year-old, who has bagged a goal contribution in three out of France’s four World Cup games so far this summer, would be a genuine statement signing, even if the Gunners may need to fork out north of £116 million.
Arsenal already possess one of the Premier League’s strongest squads, but adding a player who combines elite pace with proven end product at the highest level would take their attack to another level.
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The Gunners potentially need a replacement for him.
