Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Bradley Barcola, as they look to beat Liverpool to the PSG winger’s signature this summer.
The move comes as a serious show of intent from the Premier League champions, who are keen to further strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season.
Barcola has two years remaining on his current contract at the Parc des Princes, but reports indicate he is unwilling to extend his deal with PSG.
The 23-year-old Frenchman enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign, contributing three goals and one assist across the tournament to further raise his already considerable profile.
His club form was equally impressive, with Barcola registering 20 goal contributions last season and establishing himself as one of the most exciting wide players in European football.
Liverpool had been considered frontrunners for his signature, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Reds made contact with PSG over a potential deal to bring him to Anfield.
However, TEAMtalk reports that no agreement in principle currently exists between Liverpool and PSG, who are demanding a £128m fee to sanction his departure.
Arsenal are now firmly in the race, having made direct contact with Barcola’s entourage, according to TEAMtalk, signalling a genuine intent to compete with Liverpool for his services.
The Gunners are also assessing other attacking targets, including Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, and are prepared to invest significantly to land the right player for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal’s summer has already been notably busy following their 2025/26 Premier League title triumph and a historic Champions League final appearance, their first since 2006.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United, while Piero Hincapie was permanently retained after Arsenal activated his buy option clause following a loan spell.
Greek international winger Christos Tzolis also completed a switch from Club Brugge in a record-breaking deal representing the largest transfer in Belgian Jupiler Pro League history.
Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled over the weekend, further demonstrating Arsenal’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing across all fronts next campaign.
Barcola would undoubtedly represent a marquee addition to Arteta’s side, and the coming weeks will reveal whether Arsenal can edge out Liverpool in what promises to be a fiercely contested pursuit.