Liverpool in pole position for PSG’s Bradley Barcola as Salah successor amid Arsenal and Bayern interest

Liverpool believe they are leading the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, as they step up plans to replace Mohamed Salah.

The 23-year-old, valued at around £100m, has emerged as a major attacking target for Liverpool, who are looking for a high-profile signing following the departure of their long-serving Egypt international.

Arsenal have also identified Barcola as a key option in the current transfer window after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a £117m deal. However, according to The Sun, Liverpool are currently in the strongest position to secure the Frenchman’s signature, with Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation.

PSG ready to listen as Barcola seeks new challenge

Barcola has two years remaining on his contract with Paris Saint-Germain but is understood to be open to a new challenge at this stage of his career.

His performances for France on their run to the World Cup semi-finals are viewed as a major factor in his rising value and profile, and PSG are now thought to be more willing to sell, particularly in light of their own transfer moves.

PSG are closing in on the signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, a deal which is seen as increasing the likelihood of Barcola being allowed to leave. Liverpool previously attempted to sign Diomande but were unsuccessful as the player moved closer to a switch to the French champions.

The anticipated arrival of Diomande in Paris is regarded as giving the European champions enough attacking options to sanction Barcola’s departure, should a suitable offer be made.

Financial pressure at PSG as Liverpool rebuild attack

PSG are also under pressure to raise funds as they pursue a move for Monaco midfielder Magnes Akliouche. The 24-year-old is valued at about £43m, and his potential transfer is contributing to PSG’s willingness to consider significant bids for Barcola.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have already started reshaping their forward line. The club have completed the signing of Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna in a £34.5m deal, adding depth and versatility in wide areas.

In addition, Jeremy Jacquet is set to link up with the squad after Liverpool finalised his transfer from Rennes in January for £55m, with the agreement due to take full effect ahead of the coming campaign.

Despite those arrivals, Liverpool still want a marquee attacking addition to fill the void left by Salah, whose goals, creativity and experience have been central to the club’s success in recent seasons. Barcola, with top-level international pedigree and several years at the elite European level ahead of him, is seen as fitting that profile.

Liverpool’s confidence in their position comes with competition from both Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but with PSG needing to balance their finances and the player seemingly ready for a fresh start, the Premier League side sense an opportunity to move ahead of their rivals in the battle for one of Europe’s most highly rated forwards.