Premier League giants Liverpool and defending champions Arsenal are both after PSG winger Bradley Barcola, but the price tag PSG is demanding for the French international is absolutely wild. As the 2026-27 season kicks off, these top English clubs are desperate to shore up their biggest roster holes, and Barcola’s name is at the top of many wish lists, especially for teams needing a left winger. Liverpool, under new management, and Arsenal, fresh off losing the Champions League final to PSG, both have that exact need.
Liverpool’s Frustrating Pursuit and Arsenal’s Lurking Shadow
Barcola is stuck in a tough spot at PSG, having fallen behind Désiré Doué in the pecking order, and he’s clearly looking for a way out. He was in the squad for the UEFA Super Cup on August 12 but didn’t even get off the bench. ESPN reported on August 11 that he’s “top of Liverpool’s wishlist” as they hunt for another wide forward. But here’s the kicker: Liverpool has disputed reports of lodging an official bid, and other sources claim they’re struggling to bridge the gap in negotiations with PSG. It’s gotten so tough that they’ve reportedly mulled walking away from talks entirely.
That potential falter by Liverpool is exactly what could open the door for Arsenal. The Gunners missed out on Vinicius Jr. and still have a gaping hole on the left wing. While English tabloids have only peripherally linked them to Barcola, there are definite whispers that Arsenal could be ready to jump into the race if Liverpool can’t close the deal. L’Equipe even reported on August 14 that Liverpool decided to pause negotiations until the final 10 days of the transfer window, giving PSG time to wrap up signings for Ferran Torres and Mika Godts. The latest from RMC Sport on August 17 confirms Barcola won’t rejoin PSG until his future is resolved, with Liverpool still trying to close that valuation gap. Arsenal wasn’t even mentioned in that report, which is telling.
An Eye-Popping Price Tag and Contract Drama
So, what’s holding everything up? The insane asking price. Reports claim PSG wants as much as €170 million (£145m/$195.7m) for Barcola, despite him having two years left on his contract until summer 2028. Think about that for a second. That would shatter the Premier League transfer record Liverpool themselves set last summer when they brought in Alexander Isak for around £125 million! ESPN tries to bring it down a notch, claiming the valuation is more in the €150 million (£128.2m/$173.1m) range, but that’s still astronomical. And get this: early August reports said Liverpool’s *opening bid* was around €115 million. PSG is playing hardball, and it’s making everyone sweat.
With Barcola refusing to rejoin PSG until his situation is sorted, and Liverpool still locked in negotiations, the clock is ticking on this transfer window. What will those final 10 days bring? Will Liverpool finally bite the bullet, or will Arsenal make a shocking move? It’s a high-stakes game of chicken, and we’re all watching to see who blinks first for this talent.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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