Liverpool are advancing in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with reports indicating a deal has been agreed and a medical scheduled. The move would significantly boost new manager Andoni Iraola's attacking options ahead of the Premier League season.
Transfer Talks Progress
Liverpool have made Barcola their top attacking priority as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah. Talks between the clubs are progressing, though the Reds have yet to submit a formal offer. According to Sky Sports, the delay is deliberate, as Liverpool's decision-makers want to establish PSG's exact asking price before tabling a bid.
PSG value Barcola at approximately £145m, while Liverpool are targeting a deal nearer to £100m, leaving a substantial gap. Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam explained: "There's no point slinging in an offer if they don't believe that they're close to getting a deal done. If PSG want £145m, then what's the point of putting in an offer for £100m? It's going to get rejected, isn't it? Therefore, they have to have some sensible conversations where they can get it down a bit from £145m because they're never going to pay that."
PSG Preparing for Exit
PSG appear to be laying the groundwork for Barcola's departure. Reports suggest they have agreed a deal to sign Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, who is set for a medical ahead of a £42.8m move. They are also closing in on Ajax winger Mika Godts in a deal worth around £50m.
If both attacking signings are completed, speculation will grow that PSG are ready to sanction Barcola's exit. The 23-year-old has scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists over the past two club campaigns, despite competing for playing time with Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue.
Barcola is understood to prefer a switch to Anfield, where he would take on a more prominent attacking role and secure regular first-team action. Liverpool have so far secured Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet for £34.5m and £55m respectively, but Barcola would be their marquee signing under Iraola.
