Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have been in contact over Bradley Barcola.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer insider revealed that Arsenal have been making calls about the PSG winger, who is one of the most coveted wide players on the market.
“Don’t forget that on Barcola there are some of the best clubs in the world — Arsenal calling, Liverpool interested — but this depends on what happens with [Yan] Diomande,” Romano said.
“My understanding remains that Bradley Barcola could still leave PSG in the summer transfer window.”
The Frenchman has been long admired by the Premier League champions and has been linked with a move away from Paris since last summer.
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The question, as ever, is the price. Earlier reports indicated that PSG want around €130million for Barcola, which would make him the most expensive signing in Arsenal’s history.
That has always been the stumbling block, and nothing appears to have changed on that front as of yet.
Does Bradley Barcola actually make sense for Arsenal at that price?
Whether Arsenal would pursue both Barcola and Morgan Rogers is another question entirely.
Rogers is said to be the primary target, but the club have also been exploring a deal for Christos Tzolis after they were firmly rejected in their enquiry for Kenan Yildiz.
With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both potentially leaving, there is space in the squad, but spending £112million on Barcola and over £80million on Rogers would represent an extraordinary outlay for just two players.
Barcola is clearly an exciting player. He is explosive, direct, and capable of moments of real brilliance, but Arsenal are right to be concerned around his price tag.
He is not a guaranteed starter at PSG, his goal return is modest for a player of his profile, and £112million is the kind of astronomical fee that demands immediate, consistent impact.
Andrea Berta is making calls, but whether those calls lead anywhere will depend on PSG’s willingness to negotiate a lower price.
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