Liverpool are reportedly prioritising a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window. This comes as the club seeks to reinforce its attacking options following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
According to reports, Barcola has indicated a preference for a move to Liverpool if a deal can be finalised with PSG. The French club is reportedly seeking £145m for the 23-year-old France international, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal.
Barcola’s potential availability
Despite PSG‘s initial reluctance to sell, the situation could change if the club signs other wingers. PSG is reportedly interested in RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande and Monaco‘s Maghnes Akliouche. If these transfers occur, Barcola’s playing time might be further limited, potentially leading him to seek opportunities elsewhere for a more prominent role.
Barcola has been a key player for PSG, contributing to back-to-back Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. He has recorded 50 goal involvements over the past two seasons and has also featured for France in the World Cup. His attributes, including speed, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, are seen as a strong fit for Liverpool‘s high-intensity approach.
Liverpool‘s new manager, Andoni Iraola, has expressed the need for additional wingers. The club previously signed 23-year-old Victor Muñoz for $46 million, but further reinforcements are desired, especially after Salah‘s exit. Mohamed Salah is a free agent after leaving Liverpool, with Besiktas awaiting his decision after submitting their final offer.
Competition for key targets
Liverpool had previously targeted Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, but interest from PSG and Real Madrid has complicated that pursuit. Real Madrid has reportedly agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is also active in the transfer market. They are reportedly set to accelerate talks for Newcastle‘s 28-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes has asked his representatives to resolve his future within the next week before he returns for Newcastle‘s pre-season training camp.
Arsenal has also been linked with Vinicius Jr, with Real Madrid reportedly setting a price of 160m euros (£137m) for the 26-year-old Brazil forward. However, Vinicius Jr‘s priority is to sign a new deal at Real Madrid, where he has one year remaining on his current contract.
Other transfer news includes Tottenham being considered favourites to sign Brazil winger Savinho, 22, from Manchester City. Al-Hilal has opened 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, 26, amidst interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Saudi Arabian teams.
Bournemouth is reportedly not looking to sell 20-year-old French striker Junior Kroupi, despite interest from Barcelona. Fulham is considered a leading option for 18-year-old Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono if Real Madrid loans him out next season. Juventus is working on a deal to sign 25-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, 31, wants to remain at Bayern Munich, but the club is looking to sell him.
Mohamed Salah‘s departure from Liverpool was announced in March, with the club allowing him to pursue a new challenge.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”