​Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as they look for alternatives to Villa’s Morgan Rogers, according to the BBC. Rogers is valued at about £130 million, a figure the Gunners find prohibitive, prompting them to turn to Barcola, who tallied 13 goals and seven assists across 49 appearances last season. Arsenal have monitored Barcola for some time and even had scouts watch him during France’s World Cup last-32 clash with Sweden. While Rogers remains a primary attacking target, Villa’s firm stance has pushed Arsenal to seek other options, with Barcola now emerging as a leading alternative on their shortlist.
The 23-year-old enjoyed another strong campaign with the Champions League winners, contributing multiple titles for the second consecutive season. Barcola is renowned for his ability to find gaps in defenses and for his finishing, though he also misses some big chances, underscoring his knack for getting into promising positions. PSG are unlikely to make it easy to sign him, given his contract runs until 2028. However, Arsenal have been encouraged by signals that PSG might entertain a transfer if the right offer arrives. PSG are also pursuing RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande, which could heighten competition for places and potentially clear Barcola’s path.
Any transfer for Barcola would likely cost well under the fee Villa want for Rogers, making him an attractive option for Arsenal. Liverpool are also keeping an eye on Barcola, meaning Arsenal could face competition if PSG formally puts the player up for sale. In other Arsenal transfer news, the club are exploring the goalkeeping market amid uncertainty over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future, with Leeds United’s Illan Meslier emerging as a serious, low-cost option on a free transfer after his contract expired. Arsenal have also been rebuffed in their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.