Liverpool are currently leading the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, according to multiple reports. The Premier League side is reportedly confident in securing the 23-year-old French international, despite competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, as they look to bolster their attacking options for the 2026-27 season. Barcola, who was a bit-part player at PSG last season behind Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, is considered one of Europe’s best wingers and impressed this summer with four goal contributions at the World Cup with France.
Liverpool’s Pursuit of Bradley Barcola
Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Bradley Barcola, with the club reportedly confident in their ability to beat out rivals including Arsenal and Bayern Munich. While the player is currently under contract with Champions League holders PSG, reports indicate that he may be open to a move to Merseyside. PSG is reportedly considering a squad overhaul that could see the departure of several players as they pursue new targets, such as Yan Diomande and Maghnes Akliouche, potentially clearing the path for Barcola’s exit. Football Insider has revealed that the player could force a move to Merseyside, and while the Ligue 1 champions are reluctant to let the 23-year-old leave, it appears he is edging closer to a Premier League switch.
Market Competition and Financial Stakes
The race for Barcola’s signature has intensified as Premier League clubs look to finalize their squads ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Arsenal has been heavily linked with the forward as they seek to address their own attacking needs following the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £117m. Despite this, recent reporting suggests Liverpool remains in the “driving seat” for the player, who carries an estimated valuation of £100m.
Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser for Manchester City, noted that Liverpool are expected to be active in the market under new manager Andoni Iraola. Speaking on the club’s strategy, Borson suggested that the acquisition of Barcola would likely represent a baseline for the Reds’ summer business.
“Liverpool haven’t really done anything yet either, but they will do. I think they definitely will do. They’ll probably sign [Bradley] Barcola as a minimum, I would think. So, Liverpool are going to spend quite big. But outside of that, there’s not a lot of movement.”
Stefan Borson, former Manchester City financial adviser, via Football Insider
Squad Overhaul and Strategic Priorities
The push for a marquee forward comes as Liverpool looks to replace the production lost by the departure of veteran forward Mohamed Salah. The club has already welcomed Jeremy Jacquet, who signed a pre-contract in February, and Victor Munoz this summer. These additions are part of a broader effort to improve upon a fifth-place Premier League finish last season and a Champions League exit in the quarter-finals.
Beyond the forward line, the club is reportedly monitoring several other areas of the pitch. Speculation regarding the future of goalkeeper Alisson has persisted, and with Hugo Ekitike sidelined for months, the club is evaluating its striker options. The Reds have also reportedly joined the race for Roma and France star Manu Kone, as well as Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi. Additionally, negotiations have been explored for other targets, including a recent inquiry into Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, for whom a bid in the region of £34m (€40m) has been discussed by PSG, though Monaco has not accepted any offers to date.
Broader Premier League Transfer Activity
The pursuit of Barcola is part of a wider trend of high-value movement across the league. Other notable developments include Arsenal’s ongoing interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 22. Although Arsenal is edging the battle with Manchester United for the England Under-21 international, Scott has concerns regarding his potential game time at the Emirates and is reportedly keen on a move to Chelsea, who saw a £64m bid for him rejected by the Cherries.
Elsewhere, Manchester United is working to retain Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 31, who has decided to commit his future to the club, with talks regarding a new deal ongoing. United is also exploring a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 23, who missed out on a place in France’s World Cup squad this summer. Meanwhile, Besiktas is attempting to sign 26-year-old English midfielder Joe Willock, who is in the final year of his contract at Newcastle and will not be offered a new deal. Arsenal is also not ruling out the sale of their captain, 27-year-old Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard, and remains open to listening to offers. Finally, Roma has inquired about the availability of Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi, 28, with the Blues setting an asking price of approximately £17m for the Frenchman, while Fulham has opened negotiations with Real Madrid over a potential move for striker Gonzalo Garcia, 22.
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