Arsenal are not actively pursuing Bradley Barcola, giving Liverpool a free run at signing the Paris Saint-Germain winger this summer. The 23-year-old has been a target for both Premier League clubs, but Arsenal have decided to prioritise a move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior instead.
PSG are open to selling Barcola but would demand an eye-watering £145million for the France international, who was in and out of the starting line-up at the World Cup. Liverpool have made him a top target, but the club appear reluctant to pay a club-record fee.
Arsenal focus on Vinicius Jr
According to The Athletic, Arsenal's attention is firmly on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who has one year left on his £400,000-a-week contract. A deal for Barcola is therefore unlikely unless Vinicius snubs the Gunners.
PSG's argument for the high price is that Barcola is worth considerably more than Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers, who Manchester City and Chelsea respectively paid £116m and £117m for this summer. Barcola's stock is also high after helping Luis Enrique's side win back-to-back Champions Leagues and having come through Barcelona's famous academy.
Iraola admits need for winger
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted the club 'definitely need to sign a winger'. When asked about the Reds' transfer plans, Iraola said: "When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
Barcola himself has been non-committal about a move. Asked about his future earlier this month, he said: "I'm focused on the World Cup. What happens after that, I don't know." Enrique is said to only want players committed to PSG, casting further doubt on Barcola's future.
Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign away to Newcastle on Sunday, August 23. The Reds have played one pre-season friendly so far, beating Sunderland 4-2.
