Report: Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race to sign PSG forward

The report states: “No concrete offers have been received yet, and talks are in their early stages.”

That caveat is important. PSG remain in a strong contractual position and there is no immediate pressure to sell. Yet clubs across Europe recognise an opportunity may emerge if the player becomes open to a fresh challenge.

Arsenal and Liverpool Position Themselves

Sky Sports Germany reports that Arsenal are especially keen on Barcola, while Liverpool are also firmly in the race. Both Premier League clubs are searching for greater explosiveness in wide areas, particularly against compact defensive structures where one-on-one quality can prove decisive.

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Barcelona’s admiration is also longstanding. The Catalan club reportedly view Barcola as a profile capable of adding directness and verticality to their attack.

For Liverpool, recruitment in forward areas remains a priority amid evolving attacking options. Arsenal, meanwhile, continue searching for additional depth capable of elevating Mikel Arteta’s frontline during decisive moments in domestic and European competition.

Rise From Lyon to PSG Star

Barcola’s development has been rapid. After progressing through the academy at Olympique Lyonnais, he secured a high profile move to PSG in 2023 and has steadily grown into a major attacking weapon in Paris.

His numbers already reflect remarkable consistency for a player still early in his career. The winger has produced 38 goals and 37 assists across 148 competitive appearances for PSG, combining technical quality with acceleration and composure in high pressure matches.

Should discussions accelerate this summer, Barcola may become one of Europe’s defining transfer stories.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal, this report feels entirely logical. Barcola possesses exactly the type of profile Mikel Arteta appears to value, aggressive in one-on-one situations, intelligent without possession and capable of stretching defensive lines with pure speed. Arsenal supporters have watched their side dominate possession in major matches without always carrying enough unpredictability in wide areas. Barcola could solve that problem quickly.

Liverpool fans will likely see similar appeal. There is a growing sense that Arne Slot’s side are entering another attacking evolution, particularly with questions around long term depth and tactical flexibility across the frontline. Barcola’s pace and movement would fit naturally into Liverpool’s high tempo attacking structure.

There is also an emotional element to this race. PSG players rarely become genuinely attainable while still approaching their peak years. If either Arsenal or Liverpool managed to secure a deal, it would represent a major statement across Europe.

Supporters of both clubs may also believe Premier League intensity could elevate Barcola even further. At 22, his ceiling remains exceptionally high. The challenge, naturally, comes with PSG’s negotiating stance. Paris rarely allow elite young talent to leave cheaply, especially players already trusted on Champions League nights.

For now, interest appears exploratory. By the middle of the summer, it could become one of the market’s most closely watched situations.