Arsenal consider – Arsenal are expected to intensify their pursuit of Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola after planning to watch him again in France’s World Cup last-32 match against Sweden. The move comes as Morgan Rogers remains a top target for the Gunners, but Aston Vi
Arsenal’s recruitment team are preparing for a familiar kind of moment: the second look.
Representatives of Arsenal. who have been tracking Bradley Barcola for some time. intend to watch him again in France’s World Cup last-32 match against Sweden on Tuesday night. with kick-off set for 22:00 BST. The reason is simple—Barcola. 23. is being treated as a serious option this summer. and the Champions League winners’ next move may depend on what they see in front of them on the night.
Morgan Rogers, 23, is still the leading target for Arsenal, but the path is getting narrower. Recent reports have indicated Aston Villa value Rogers at £130m, a figure that would likely prove a stumbling block for any deal.
That is where Barcola fits. Arsenal also view the Paris St-Germain forward as a strong alternative. with Barcola—also 23—on their radar through their recruitment staff. His standing with PSG matters beyond football alone: the protracted move of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande to PSG might have implications for Barcola’s future.
Barcola’s contract situation is another key piece in the puzzle. His current deal with PSG expires in the summer of 2028, meaning any move for the winger this summer would cost significantly less than Rogers would, with Aston Villa’s deal running until 2031.
If PSG are willing to listen to offers for Barcola this summer, Arsenal are expected to be among the clubs keen. Liverpool are also believed to be tracking him.
Arsenal’s summer planning does not stop at the forward line. The club also has a strong interest in Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with uncertainty hanging over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future heading into next season. That doubt has pushed Arsenal to explore the market for a replacement.
Meslier, 26, has lost his place as number one at Leeds and is out of contract this summer, leaving him available on a free transfer.
Arsenal Bradley Barcola Paris St-Germain Morgan Rogers Aston Villa Yan Diomande Liverpool Illan Meslier Leeds Kepa Arrizabalaga World Cup Sweden France transfer news