Arsenal and Man City Set to Battle in the Race to Sign £84million PSG Star – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal and Manchester City Tracking PSG Star Bradley Barcola Amid €100M+ Valuation

Bradley Barcola’s rapid rise to prominence at Paris Saint-Germain has not gone unnoticed in England. As reported by Caught Offside, the 22-year-old winger has caught the eye of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have dispatched scouts to monitor his performances in recent months.

Barcola, who moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023, has quickly cemented his place in the team’s attacking trio. Described as having “explosive pace, dribbling ability, and tactical intelligence,” the Frenchman has delivered an eye-catching 21 goals and 19 assists in a treble-winning season for the Ligue 1 champions.

Despite growing interest, PSG remain adamant they have no intention of selling. In fact, “sources close to PSG suggest that the French club values Barcola at over €100-120 million,” with the club working to extend his deal until 2030. That valuation alone could be a significant deterrent for potential suitors in the short term.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal and City Monitor Situation Closely

According to Caught Offside, both Arsenal and Manchester City are actively assessing Barcola as a future investment. Pep Guardiola is believed to be especially intrigued, having “been advised to consider him as a long-term replacement should Jack Grealish depart the Etihad this summer.”

With City’s forward line potentially facing reshuffles, Barcola is seen as a player who could bring “fresh energy and creativity” to Guardiola’s high-octane attack. City’s track record of integrating technically gifted wingers suggests Barcola could be a seamless fit.

For Arsenal, the motivation is equally clear. Mikel Arteta has made it no secret that the Gunners need more attacking variety, and Barcola’s versatility – able to play across the front three – would offer a dynamic option to complement Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. But the North London club are said to be more cautious and “not expected to make an immediate move unless PSG signal a willingness to negotiate.”

Tottenham Lurking, But Arsenal Remain Focused

Tottenham’s interest, while serious, appears to be less advanced. Unlike their North London rivals, Spurs are currently undergoing broader squad restructuring under Ange Postecoglou, and their focus may be spread across several targets. Arsenal, by contrast, have demonstrated consistent ambition and strategic clarity under Arteta and Edu, with Barcola aligning well with their youth-first recruitment strategy.

Still, unless PSG shift their stance, Arsenal may be forced to pivot toward alternative targets. Caught Offside notes that “the Gunners may have to shift their attention towards other targets like Nico Williams of Athletic Club,” who would likely be available at a more manageable price.

PSG Unwilling to Sell, Yet Temptation May Linger

While PSG’s public stance is firm, the football world knows that such declarations can soften when the right bid arrives. The valuation of over €100 million reflects both Barcola’s breakout season and PSG’s intent to keep their young core intact. Yet, Premier League clubs have shown before they’re willing to splash out if they believe the upside is there.

Should Barcola continue this level of performance into the next campaign, the pressure on PSG to either sell or significantly reward him with a new deal will only increase. The looming question is whether Arsenal or City will be the first to test their resolve.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal supporter, this report is exhilarating. Bradley Barcola isn’t just another flashy winger – he’s one of the most complete young attackers in Europe right now. To score 21 goals and register 19 assists in a team like PSG, stacked with stars, says everything you need to know about his talent and mentality.

If Mikel Arteta can convince the club to break the bank, Barcola could take our attack to another level. Imagine a front three of Martinelli, Saka, and Barcola, with Ødegaard pulling the strings behind them. That’s a terrifying proposition for any defence in Europe.

What makes him so appealing is his ability to beat a man, but also his decision-making in the final third. His stats aren’t just flashy, they’re consistent and match-winning. And let’s not forget his pressing – a key trait Arteta values.

Yes, the price tag is steep, but with City sniffing around, Arsenal need to show we can compete for the best. If we’re serious about winning the Premier League and making a deep Champions League run, players like Barcola are essential.

Let’s hope Edu and the board are paying close attention. If there’s even a slight opening, Arsenal should be at the front of the queue.