Arsenal and Liverpool eye PSG winger Barcola as Rogers price stalls

Arsenal and Liverpool are both sharpening their focus on Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola as the summer transfer window approaches, with the 23‑year‑old French international tied to the Ligue 1 champions until the summer of 2028. Both clubs see the French forward as a realistic alternative to Arsenal’s long‑standing target Morgan Rogers, whose Aston Villa valuation sits around £130 million. Arsenal’s recruitment staff have intensified their interest in Barcola after receiving encouragement that a deal could materialise this summer. Manager Mikel Arteta has overseen the scouting push, signalling his willingness to diversify the attack. The Gunners consider the 23‑year‑old a fit for their recent targeting pattern, combining top‑level experience with significant development potential, and will assess him further in France’s World Cup last‑32 match against Sweden. Liverpool are also keeping a close watch on Barcola’s situation as they search for wide attacking talent. The club notes his rapid rise since joining PSG from Lyon in 2023, highlighting his pace, creativity and ability to operate on either flank.

Arsenal’s £130m dilemma: why Barcola is the affordable answer

Arsenal continue to admire Morgan Rogers, but Aston Villa’s reported £130 million price tag has complicated negotiations before they have properly begun. That valuation has forced Arsenal to broaden their shortlist of attacking options ahead of the new campaign. Barcola’s contract runs to the summer of 2028, giving Paris Saint‑Germain a strong negotiating position. Nevertheless, the length of his deal suggests any eventual transfer fee would likely be considerably lower than the amount demanded for Rogers. Paris Saint‑Germain’s wider recruitment strategy could influence Barcola’s future, as the protracted move of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande to the French club may increase competition for attacking places. Manager Luis Enrique’s squad planning will therefore affect whether Barcola remains a viable target for foreign suitors. For Arsenal, a lower outlay on Barcola could free resources to strengthen multiple positions while securing one of Europe’s brightest young attackers. Liverpool’s continued interest ensures that any potential availability of Barcola would spark a competitive pursuit, shaping both clubs’ summer strategies.