Arsenal are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after being quoted a mammoth £130 million for top target Morgan Rogers, according to reports. The Gunners, who won the Premier League title last season, are looking to bolster their attacking options and had set their sights on the Aston Villa star. However, Villa's demand — which would exceed the British-record fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer — has forced Arsenal to consider alternatives.
Barcola on Arsenal's Radar
Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old Frenchman, and the BBC reports that they will be watching him when he plays for France in their World Cup knockout match against Sweden on Tuesday night. Barcola was part of the PSG side that defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final, but his future could hinge on whether the Parisians secure a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is tipped for a mega move this summer. If Diomande signs, Barcola could be pushed down the pecking order, potentially making him available for transfer.
Liverpool Also Interested
Liverpool are also keen on Barcola as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has just left Anfield. The Reds are in the market for a winger and have identified the French international as a potential target. Arsenal, however, are confident they can compete for his signature if PSG are willing to listen to offers.
Rogers' Price Tag Explained
Aston Villa do not want to lose Rogers, who has just enjoyed his best season to date, starring for the club as they won the Europa League. Villa also know they must give 20 per cent of any fee to Middlesbrough, whom they signed him from. A host of Premier League clubs have hiked their valuations following Elliot Anderson's £116 million move to Manchester City, and Villa believe Rogers is a more valuable player, with their price tag reflecting that.
Arteta's Ambition
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the need for ambition in the transfer market. "We'll start to make some very important decisions; we want to reach another level," Arteta said. "We're going to have to show that ambition because they are more than capable of doing it, but it's going to demand us to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart."
Arsenal could ultimately be priced out of a move for Rogers, but they remain determined to strengthen their squad as they look to defend their title and compete in the Champions League.
