Liverpool have been informed that Paris Saint-Germain have placed a staggering £128 million price tag on winger Bradley Barcola, with French outlet L'Équipe reporting that an agreement on the player's potential departure has been reached. The Reds have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.
PSG Set £128 Million Asking Price
According to L'Équipe, PSG have set a £128 million fee for Barcola, who is currently representing France at the World Cup in North America. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are believed to be the front-runners for the winger's signature, though the enormous price tag could prove a formidable obstacle.
The report also claims that Barcola could be made available for transfer if PSG secure a deal for one-time Liverpool target Yan Diomande, who is reported to have already agreed personal terms with the Parisian side. Additionally, PSG are believed to be keen on signing Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco, potentially giving Barcola more reason to seek first-team football elsewhere.
Arsenal Interest May Wane
In a potential boost for Liverpool, Arsenal's interest in Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers could see the Gunners shift their focus away from Barcola. Should Arsenal move for Rogers, it could leave Liverpool with a free run at the PSG star, though the £128 million fee remains a significant hurdle.
Former Strikers Back Barcola Move
Two former Premier League strikers have endorsed a potential move for Barcola, with ex-Liverpool forward Emile Heskey describing it as a potentially season-defining purchase. Heskey told BOYLESports: "Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we've been missing on the left wing. We've been spoiled with Sadio Mané and Luis Díaz, and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again."
Heskey added: "Liverpool looked to have missed out on Yan Diomande to PSG, but that could open the door to Barcola leaving. It would be a statement signing for Andoni Iraola that's for sure."
Former Manchester United and Everton striker Louis Saha also praised Barcola, telling Live Football Tickets: "Bradley Barcola is a terrific player. He has already won two Champions Leagues, and he could even win the World Cup over the next few weeks. His achievements for such a young player are staggering."
Saha continued: "He has become a much-improved player over the past few seasons, he gets better and better every year, and he can go right to the very top of football. What Barcola needs is to move somewhere where he is going to be first choice in his position week in, week out. His confidence will improve ten-fold once that happens, and then he will be a way more dangerous player."
Liverpool's Summer Business So Far
Liverpool have made only one new signing this summer, Victor Munoz from Osasuna, while Jeremy Jacquet, who signed in January, has officially arrived. Manager Andoni Iraola has been assessing his squad at the club's AXA training centre in Kirkby, focusing on keeping key players together while remaining mindful of the need for further reinforcements.
With Mohamed Salah's future uncertain and Cody Gakpo reportedly looking uncomfortable out wide, Barcola is seen as a potential replacement who could fill either position. However, the £128 million price tag means any deal remains far from certain.
