Transfer market activity intensifies
Interest in Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola has emerged from Arsenal and Liverpool. Paris St-Germain is reportedly seeking £145m for the 23-year-old France international. This comes as Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, are looking for attacking reinforcements, particularly in wide forward positions, following Mohamed Salah’s departure. Liverpool are said to be actively pursuing a deal for Barcola, who is reportedly open to the move to Anfield.
Barcola has spent time with the Parisian club since leaving Lyon in 2023. He has been instrumental in helping Paris St-Germain secure back-to-back Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. Despite his contributions, he has reportedly struggled to establish himself as a first-choice option, competing with players such as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for playing time. Reports indicate that Barcola will not sign a new contract with Paris St-Germain, despite being contracted to the club through 2031, suggesting a potential exit this summer.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has reportedly set a price of 160m euros (£137m) for Brazil forward Vinicius Jr. While Arsenal has not opened talks for the 26-year-old, they are understood to be willing to offer him the largest contract in the club’s history. However, Vinicius Jr’s priority is to sign a new deal with Real Madrid, where he has one year remaining on his current contract.
Midfield and wing targets
Arsenal is also reportedly preparing to accelerate talks for Newcastle’s 28-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes has reportedly expressed a desire for his future to be resolved within the next week, prior to joining Newcastle’s pre-season training camp.
In other transfer news, Tottenham is considered a favourite to sign 22-year-old Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City. Real Madrid has reportedly agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. Al-Hilal has initiated talks to sign 26-year-old Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. Chelsea is expected to demand a significant fee for Portugal winger Pedro Neto, who has attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and teams in Saudi Arabia.
Besiktas is awaiting a decision from 34-year-old Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, who is a free agent after leaving Liverpool, following their final offer. Bournemouth is not looking to sell 20-year-old French striker Junior Kroupi, despite interest from Barcelona. Fulham is reportedly the leading option for 18-year-old Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono if Real Madrid decides to loan him out next season. Juventus is working on a deal to sign 25-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Additionally, 31-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha reportedly wishes to compete for his place at Bayern Munich, though the club is looking to sell him.
Liverpool’s need for wide players is highlighted by their current roster, which includes new recruit Victor Muñoz, and wingers Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Federico Chiesa. Chiesa is expected to leave Anfield this summer after a two-year period. Barcola’s valuation of £145m could be a factor in any potential deal.
Barcola’s performance in the World Cup, where he scored three goals and assisted a fourth in eight appearances, has drawn attention. He is described as a modern winger with speed, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal, capable of cutting inside or delivering crosses. His defensive work rate is also noted, regularly tracking back to support teammates. Paris St-Germain considers him one of the top wingers currently available on the market, with his age cited as a justification for his asking price.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”