Liverpool leading Arsenal and Bayern in £100m move for PSG winger Barcola

Liverpool believe they are in pole position ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola in a deal valued at around £100m, as they step up plans to reshape their attack after the departure of Mohamed Salah.

The 23-year-old France international has emerged as a major target for several of Europe’s elite clubs, but Liverpool are understood to be increasingly confident of winning the race for his signature.

Arsenal have added Barcola to their shortlist for this transfer window after losing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a £117m move. Bayern Munich are also monitoring Barcola, yet Liverpool are currently seen as the frontrunners to strike an agreement with PSG.

Salah replacement drives Liverpool’s push

Liverpool are prioritising a high-profile attacking signing following the exit of long-serving forward Mohamed Salah, and see Barcola as a leading candidate to fill that void in the frontline.

The club have already missed out on one key target, with Jan Diomande set to join Paris Saint-Germain from RB Leipzig after Liverpool’s attempts to sign him fell short. Diomande’s impending arrival in the French capital is viewed as a development that could make PSG more open to selling Barcola.

PSG, European champions, are now considered to be in a position where they can afford to let Barcola leave, especially after his reputation and market value were enhanced by an impressive campaign with France, in which he helped his national team reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Barcola, who has two years remaining on his contract with PSG, is thought to be ready for a fresh challenge at club level, increasing the likelihood of a transfer if a suitable offer is made.

PSG balancing books as Liverpool rebuild attack

Financial considerations are also weighing on PSG’s decision-making. The French club are looking to generate funds as they pursue Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, 24, who is valued at about £43m.

Offloading Barcola for a substantial fee would give PSG greater flexibility to complete that deal while reshaping their own squad.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have already moved to strengthen their wide options. The club have secured the signing of Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna in a £34.5m transfer, adding depth and competition in the attacking positions.

In addition, Jeremy Jacquet is due to arrive at Anfield after Liverpool agreed a £55m deal with Rennes in January for a move that will formally go through this summer. His arrival, together with that of Munoz, underlines Liverpool’s intent to refresh their forward line.

Even with those additions, Liverpool remain active in the market for another top-level attacker, with Barcola identified as a player capable of operating at the highest level for club and country.

If Liverpool can convert their current advantage into a completed transfer, Barcola would become one of the marquee signings of their post-Salah era, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich may be forced to turn to alternative targets should PSG agree terms with the Anfield club.