Arsenal working on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola | OneFootball

Premier League champions Arsenal have begun preliminary work on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

According to The Independent, Arsenal are preparing an opening proposal to test the French champions’ resolve, identifying the 23-year-old as an ideal catalyst to help take the Gunners’ attack to the next level.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen further after ending the Gunners’ title drought, and Barcola—renowned for his blistering pace and elite ball-carrying ability—has emerged as a top target for the Emirates Stadium club.

Barcola’s current situation in Paris has given potential suitors encouragement. Reports suggest he has explicitly informed the PSG hierarchy of his desire to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, frustrated by reduced playing time following Luis Enrique’s preference for Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Securing Barcola will require Arsenal to overcome strong competition. Liverpool are also interested, potentially setting up a transfer battle between two of England’s top clubs.

Furthermore, PSG are demanding a fee close to £100 million to consider a sale, while they are also reportedly working on a new deal to keep the ‘unstoppable’ winger, who registered 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions last season, in Paris.

Despite the steep economic hurdles and rival interest, Arsenal are pressing forward with real intent. Decision-makers in North London are leveraging the club’s project stability and status as reigning Premier League champions to position themselves as Barcola’s preferred destination, aiming to land Arteta’s next major piece of silverware insurance.

Barcola is currently on duty with France at the World Cup, where he came off the bench to net in his side’s 3-1 victory over Senegal.