Liverpool emerge as frontrunners in pursuit of PSG’s Barcola
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the race for Bradley Barcola, though Paris Saint-Germain insist the forward is not for sale despite stalled contract talks.
Liverpool have moved to the front of the queue in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, according to reporting by journalist Ben Jacobs. The Reds are evaluating the 23-year-old French international as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, a strategic shift necessitated by the collapse of negotiations for their primary summer target, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
The Ivorian defender has opted to join PSG, leaving Liverpool to reassess their attacking options. While the club had previously linked with Barcola last summer, they ultimately decided against a pursuit at that time to provide first-team opportunities for young prospect Rio Ngumoha. The current interest signals a recalibration of priorities following the Diomande development.
Arsenal have also been linked with the French winger, but their position appears less advanced. The Gunners view Barcola as a secondary option to their primary target, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, and are not currently engaged in active negotiations for the PSG player. Consequently, Liverpool’s reported frontrunner status reflects a more concentrated effort to secure a high-profile replacement.
Barcola, who is naturally a left winger but capable of operating on the opposite flank, has made 37 career appearances as a right winger, contributing seven goals and 15 assists. He has two years remaining on his contract at the UEFA Champions League holders, yet negotiations for an extension are reportedly at a standstill. This impasse has fuelled speculation that the player could seek regular playing time elsewhere.
Despite the stalled talks, PSG maintain that Barcola is not for sale. The club is reportedly preparing for his potential departure by agreeing personal terms with Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche and may soon make a formal approach for Diomande. Should PSG sanction a move, they are expected to demand a substantial fee, valuing Barcola at more than the £116 million Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson.
