Mikel Arteta has instructed Arsenal to submit an official offer for PSG's World Cup star Bradley Barcola, according to reports. The Gunners have long-standing interest in the 23-year-old, who helped PSG retain the Champions League last season, beating Arteta's side in the final.
Barcola's Impressive Form
Barcola enjoyed another impressive season in the French capital and continued his superb form in France's opening World Cup win over Senegal, scoring his side's second in a 3-1 victory. Arsenal were monitoring his situation even before meeting PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest, and recent reports claimed the winger had asked for a summer move.
Liverpool Also Interested
Liverpool have also made an approach for Barcola, with new Anfield boss Andoni Iraola hoping to welcome two forwards to the club this summer. However, Liverpool will face serious competition from Arsenal, with The Independent claiming Arteta has 'highlighted' Barcola as a top target to his bosses at the Emirates Stadium. It is claimed the Gunners are 'looking into the necessary details' before approaching PSG with an official bid.
Arsenal's Transfer Plans
While Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season and reached the Champions League final, Arteta's side were often accused of lacking creative spark in the final third. As a result, Arteta is keen to sign at least two new forwards this summer, with Barcola seen as an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes his fellow countryman would be a 'great option' for the new Premier League champions. 'Bradley Barcola, with his pace and talent, is fantastic,' Leboeuf told BoyleSports. 'He still has an issue with finishing, which he has to improve because he has many chances but doesn't convert them. We saw that during the Champions League final when he had two big chances but ruined them. Arsenal would be an interesting destination, he is a great option for them. But would Arsenal be interested in him on the left wing? It looks like Gabriel Martinelli might be moving on, so that could be something.'
Other Targets
As well as targeting Barcola, Arsenal are also interested in England midfielder Morgan Rogers and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez.
Discussing Arsenal's summer transfer plans towards the end of last season, Josh Kroenke said: 'The business never stops. Right now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that. We've already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch. I am looking forward to getting that going this summer but it's going to be an interesting one because of the World Cup but fortunately everyone is coming to the United States so I don't have to travel.'
