Arsenal and Liverpool learn staggering condition required to sign Bradley Barcola

Updated: 28 Jul 2026 09:47 BST | 4 min read

Bradley Barcola Arsenal Liverpool — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Paris Saint-Germain want at least €170million (£145.2m) to sell Bradley Barcola this summer, according to The Athletic.

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The Athletic understands both Arsenal and Liverpool are keen to sign the France international ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The same publication claims Liverpool have made Barcola their top target, whereas Arsenal are prioritising a move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

STATS

Bradley Barcola

F, AM (L)

PSG

Bradley Barcola

F, AM (L)

PSG

48

Games
13

Goals
6

Assists

However, both clubs have now learned it will take a British record transfer fee to prize Barcola away from PSG this summer.

Liverpool broke the British record transfer fee when signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in a €146m (£125m) deal last September.

The news comes after RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins reported last Sunday that Barcola does not want to extend his contract with PSG.

Barcola, 23, has two years left on his terms and is reportedly keen to become a key fixture elsewhere.

The former Lyon forward started just four of PSG’s nine knockout ties en route to retaining their UEFA Champions League crown last season.

An alternative report from Fabrizio Romano claims Barcola has prioritised joining Liverpool this summer, should they agree a deal with the Ligue 1 giants PSG.

Barcola has helped PSG win back-to-back Champions League titles

After emerging through Lyon’s famed youth system, Barcola went on to make 47 appearances for Les Gones, scoring seven goals.

He then joined PSG for €45m (£38.4m) in August 2023 and has since scored 39 goals in 152 appearances for Luis Enrique’s men.

Known for his rapid pace, Barcola has won 12 honours with PSG including back-to-back Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.

However, he has struggled to dislodge either Desire Doue or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in PSG’s electric front three, which also features Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele.

Barcola also found it difficult to usurp Doue in France’s starting eleven at this summer’s World Cup, starting just four of Les Bleus’ eight fixtures.

He still managed to record three goals and one assist in North America, however, as France were beaten by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.

Barcola has received 28 caps for France, scoring six goals.

Iraola and Arteta have both called for summer signings

Meanwhile Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has issued a plea for new signings as he prepares for his first season in charge of the club.

Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Iraola - who succeeded Arne Slot in June - said: “Obviously, we have signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this.

“Me, as a coach, selfishly, we want the players here from day one to train from pre-season. But we know football doesn't work like this. The club is working hard to get those signings.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, called for summer reinforcements after they were beaten by Barcola’s PSG in the Champions League final in May.

Addressing the media after the full-time whistle in Budapest, Arteta said: “We'll start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

“And we're going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it's going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”