Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window, with the player understood to be open to a Premier League move. According to reports from TeamTalk and Le10Sport, the 23-year-old is considering his options after changing his representation earlier this year to explore opportunities in England. PSG have reportedly set a valuation between €95m and €100m (£80m–£87m) for the winger, despite their preference to retain a player who remains under contract at the Parc des Princes until June 2028. The French champions are expected to sanction a sale only if Barcola formally requests a transfer.
The tactical and squad rationale for Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola comes as the club prepares for a significant transition in their forward line, with Mohamed Salah’s long-term future remaining a primary concern for the recruitment team. While the club has identified RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande as a priority, Barcola offers a versatile alternative capable of playing across the front three in Arne Slot’s system. The £87m valuation reflects the current market for elite young wingers, drawing parallels to the £80m-plus packages Chelsea and Manchester United paid for Mykhailo Mudryk and Antony respectively. For Barcola, a move offers the prospect of more consistent starts; at PSG, he has spent significant time rotating with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, limiting his rhythm in the starting XI.
PSG stance and transfer status
Barcola originally joined PSG from Lyon in 2023 for an initial €45m, meaning the reported €100m asking price would see the Parisian club more than double their investment. Speaking on the DaveOCKOP platform, Fabrizio Romano clarified that while PSG have previously viewed the player as not for sale, Liverpool have internally discussed Barcola as a serious option on multiple occasions. Alexis Bernard of Le10Sport suggests the player is “hotly tempted” by the prospect of wearing Liverpool colours. However, any deal remains contingent on the player forcing the issue. Having recently updated his agency team to assess the English market, the groundwork for a potential exit appears to be in place should Liverpool or Arsenal formalise their interest with an opening bid.
Internal discussions regarding a formal approach are expected to intensify as Liverpool finalise their squad planning for the 2026/27 campaign.