Bradley Barcola: Liverpool lead Arsenal and Bayern chase
Liverpool are confident they can beat Arsenal and Bayern Munich to Bradley Barcola, after the Paris Saint-Germain forward impressed at the World Cup with France. The 23-year-old remains linked with Anfield while Arsenal retain interest following their failed Morgan Rogers pursuit, making this one of the summer's fiercest attacking races.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool believe they can land Bradley Barcola ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, per reports cited by the BBC.
- Barcola impressed for France at the World Cup, with four goal contributions reported and three goals in eight appearances also noted.
- Arsenal retain interest after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, while PSG may sell if a suitable bid arrives.
- PSG's asking price for Barcola is reportedly over £100million, a major hurdle for interested clubs.
- Separate gossip covers Alex Scott, Bruno Fernandes, Martin Odegaard, Joe Willock, Eduardo Camavinga and Axel Disasi.
The scramble for Bradley Barcola has become the standout thread in this week's Premier League transfer gossip. According to BBC Sport's round-up, citing The Sun, Liverpool are confident they can edge Arsenal and Bayern Munich to the PSG forward after his World Cup displays for France.
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Why is Bradley Barcola suddenly in demand?
Barcola's stock rose after a strong World Cup with France. The BBC reported four goal contributions this summer, while Sports Mole noted three goals in eight appearances. The 23-year-old sits behind Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in PSG's pecking order.
Sky Sports News, as relayed by Sports Mole, says PSG could sanction a departure if an acceptable offer arrives before the deadline. The European champions are also pushing for Yan Diomande, a move that could free Barcola to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has suggested PSG's Diomande chase is tied to Barcola's future.
Who is chasing Bradley Barcola this summer?
Liverpool remain firmly linked with a switch to Anfield. The Liverpool Echo reports Bayern Munich could enter if Michael Olise joins Real Madrid, though an asking price reportedly over £100million makes Bayern unlikely serious suitors. Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz and are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, with Andoni Iraola acknowledging the need for another wide player.
Arsenal retain long-standing interest after Morgan Rogers moved from Aston Villa to Chelsea. The Gunners are still hunting attacking reinforcements and could revive their pursuit of the French international, even as they near a reported £34m deal for Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis.
What other Premier League gossip broke this week?
Beyond Bradley Barcola, the BBC gossip column flagged several other storylines. Arsenal are edging Manchester United for Bournemouth's Alex Scott, 22, though the England Under-21 international has game-time concerns; he is also keen on Chelsea after a £64m bid was rejected. Bruno Fernandes, 31, is ready to commit to Manchester United with new-deal talks ongoing.
Arsenal are not ruling out selling captain Martin Odegaard and will listen to offers. Besiktas are chasing Newcastle's Joe Willock, 26, who is in the final year of his contract. Manchester United are exploring a move for Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, 23. Roma have asked about Chelsea's Axel Disasi, with an asking price around £17m.
Whether Liverpool can convert confidence into a deal for Bradley Barcola still hinges on PSG's valuation and whether Arsenal or Bayern force the price higher before the window closes.