Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for winger Bradley Barcola, a player Liverpool have been pursuing. This development comes as Liverpool has shown reluctance to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s demands for the player. Arsenal, having significant funds available from their unsuccessful pursuit of Vinícius Júnior, are said to have the financial capacity to make a bid.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcola for a five-year contract. However, an agreement on a transfer fee with Paris Saint-Germain is still pending. Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain values Barcola at a high figure, with one previous bid from Liverpool reportedly rejected, and the fee expected to exceed €100m. Liverpool has been hesitant to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s initial €140m valuation.
Barcola, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Ligue 1 rivals Lyon in 2023, has made 152 appearances for the club and has won two European titles. Despite his appearances, he has often been considered a peripheral figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking line-up, which includes players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele. His compatriot, Desire Doue, has reportedly displaced Barcola from the starting lineup in recent Champions League finals. Of his 45 Champions League appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, only 31 have been starts.
In other transfer news, Manchester City is reportedly interested in reuniting manager Enzo Maresca with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. This potential move, however, is contingent on Rodri’s proposed departure from Manchester City moving closer to completion. Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona over Real Madrid was reportedly based on his preference for the locker room environment, as both clubs offered a four-year deal worth $17 million (€15 million) annually.
Chelsea, for their part, expects Fernández to remain at the club during the current transfer window. The club is reportedly planning to raise his asking price above $162 million (£120 million) once the Premier League season begins. Chelsea also has no interest in a permanent sale of winger Mykhailo Mudryk this summer, though they are considering loan options for the Ukraine international. A loan to Strasbourg has been suggested, but Mudryk is said to prefer joining another Premier League team, with interest registered from various clubs across Europe.
La Liga and other Premier League movements
Barcelona is actively looking for a replacement for center-back Ronald Araujo following his loan move to Liverpool. Four potential options are being considered: Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, Athletic Club’s Aymeric Laporte, and Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni are seen as potential signings. Additionally, 21-year-old Álvaro Cortés could be promoted to the senior squad.
The pursuit of a new center-back has reportedly caused tension between Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and defender Jules Koundé. Koundé, who has often been deployed at right-back, has expressed his desire to play centrally. He was reportedly upset to learn that his preference would not be accommodated, leading him to consider leaving the club. Arsenal is among the teams that have shown interest in Koundé.
Earlier this summer, Real Madrid had the opportunity to sign Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi but declined, reportedly believing he was not the right fit for their long-term project. Despite some reports, Barcelona has no interest in signing Inter striker Lautaro Martínez as an alternative to Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez.
In other Premier League news, Galatasaray is exploring a deal to sign Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Lewis Hall has reiterated his desire to join Manchester United to Newcastle United. Aston Villa has initiated a move for Juventus striker Jonathan David, whose potential exit could allow Juventus to pursue Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Aston Villa is also interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at $69 million (£51 million) by Chelsea, and also admired by Tottenham Hotspur. Inter is reportedly close to an agreement to sign Tottenham right-back Djed Spence for over $35 million (£26 million).
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola has overseen the signings of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet for modest fees, in addition to the loan move of Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo, after the club spent over £400 million last summer.
Source: si.com
