Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Bradley Barcola this week, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger viewed as an alternative to Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been tracking Barcola for some time and are now looking again at the France international as Villa’s £130million valuation of Rogers threatens to make that deal extremely difficult.
BBC Sport reports that Arsenal representatives intend to watch Barcola again during France’s World Cup last-32 tie against Sweden. The report adds that Arsenal have received encouragement that the 23-year-old could be available this summer, with Liverpool also believed to be tracking him.
Rogers remains a leading attacking target, but Read Arsenal has already covered how Tottenham’s £85million move for Mateus Fernandes underlined the cost of Premier League-ready talent. Villa’s stance on Rogers now gives Andrea Berta another reason to keep alternative routes open.
Barcola Gives Arsenal A More Flexible Transfer Route
Barcola’s contract at PSG runs until 2028, while Rogers is tied to Villa until 2031. That difference matters because Arsenal are trying to strengthen Arteta’s attack without being dragged into a British-record fee.
BBC Sport also reports that RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande’s proposed move to PSG could affect Barcola’s future. If PSG add another wide player, Arsenal may have a clearer path to test the French club’s position.
For Arteta, the attraction is obvious. Barcola offers pace, direct carrying and left-sided threat, but he would likely come at a lower cost than Rogers.
That does not make the deal cheap. It does make it more realistic if Arsenal decide Villa’s valuation is too far beyond their internal number.
There is also a goalkeeping subplot. BBC Sport adds that Arsenal have strong interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with uncertainty around Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future as second choice.
Read Arsenal has already looked at Bournemouth rejecting Arsenal’s enquiry for Alex Scott, and the pattern is clear. English clubs are protecting young players aggressively, so Berta needs options abroad as well as domestic targets.
Barcola now looks like one of the more serious alternatives. Arsenal may still admire Rogers, but the next move will show whether they are prepared to chase Villa’s price or shift properly towards PSG.
