Arsenal set Bradley Barcola transfer conditions after agent talks with Liverpool deal stalling

Arsenal have already refreshed their attack this summer, but the search for another elite wide forward appears to be far from over.

Leandro Trossard’s £17 million move to Besiktas removed one of Mikel Arteta‘s most reliable squad options.

The Gunners responded by signing Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34 million after a stunning season in Belgium. The Greek international struck 17 league goals and supplied 23 assists as Brugge won the title.

Those figures offer genuine excitement, although Arsenal know the jump to the Premier League will be considerable.

Bukayo Saka remains the undisputed first choice on the right. His seven goals and five assists helped Arsenal win the league last season, even if his numbers were below the remarkable standards he had set previously.

The picture on the opposite flank is less certain.

Gabriel Martinelli managed only one goal in 30 Premier League appearances, while Noni Madueke recorded three goals and one assist across 26 outings. Both can trouble defenders with their speed, but neither produced consistently enough to make the left wing position their own.

There are also still suggestions that Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer.

That helps explain why Arsenal continue to be linked with expensive attacking talent despite Tzolis arriving, having just missed out on what would’ve been a blockbuster deal for Real Madrid’s Vini Jr.

Reuters/Vincent Carchietta

Arsenal’s attack was carried by Viktor Gyökeres through the middle last term, making greater quality from wide areas an obvious target for Arteta.

Bradley Barcola would bring a different level of proven quality.

The France sensation brings devastating acceleration, sharp movement and the ability to attack a full back on either side. At 23, he also fits Arsenal’s preference for players who can contribute immediately while offering potential.

The major obstacle is price.

Arsenal set Bradley Barcola deal conditions as Liverpool deal stalls

REUTERS/Vincent Carchietta

Liverpool talks are believed to be taking a while with still no offer on the table from their end, with PSG insisting on their £130 million price tag which the Reds can’t afford (Sacha Tavolieri).

FootballTransfers and Steve Kay now report that Barcola’s representatives contacted Arsenal on Friday morning to discover whether the Premier League champions intended to enter the race.

Crucially, the approach is claimed to have come from the player’s camp rather than Arsenal.

The Gunners reportedly made their position clear. They will not pursue Barcola while PSG continue to demand around £130m for his signature.

Arsenal are said to be prepared to pay around £90m-£95m for Barcola, leaving a gap which makes an immediate move extremely unlikely.

REUTERS/Sam Navarro

Liverpool remain the more advanced contenders after making progress with the player. However, they are reportedly reluctant to go beyond roughly £104 million, while an anticipated offer below that level is expected to be rejected.

That standoff gives Arsenal reason to stay alert, but there is no suggestion they have submitted a bid or opened direct negotiations with PSG.

Barcola would strengthen Arteta’s options and increase the pressure on Martinelli, Madueke and Tzolis.

For now, though, this looks more like an opportunity Arsenal are monitoring than a transfer they are ready to force through.