Liverpool close in on PSG winger Bradley Barcola as Salah replacement

Liverpool are increasingly confident of beating Arsenal and Bayern Munich to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in what would be their flagship move to replace Mohamed Salah.

The Premier League club are understood to be in advanced talks over a summer transfer for the 23-year-old France international, with sources in England suggesting Liverpool believe they are now in pole position to complete the deal.

According to British newspaper The Sun, Liverpool’s hierarchy are “confident” of finalising an agreement despite firm interest from Arsenal, who had placed Barcola high on their shortlist after missing out on Morgan Rogers, the England forward who joined Chelsea for £117m.

The move would represent a significant statement as Liverpool rebuild their attack following the departure of captain and record scorer Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield earlier this summer.

Liverpool target ‘major’ attacking addition

Liverpool have been actively searching for a marquee attacking signing to spearhead a new-look forward line under incoming head coach Andoni Iraola.

The club view Barcola as the leading candidate to take on a central role in their front three, with his versatility across the attacking positions seen as a key asset in the next phase of the team’s evolution.

The Frenchman, who has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes, is understood to be open to a new challenge after his breakthrough performances on the international stage.

Barcola impressed for France at the World Cup, where his direct running and creativity helped the national team reach the semi-finals, significantly raising his profile among Europe’s elite clubs.

PSG ready to sell as rebuild gathers pace

The report adds that Paris Saint-Germain are now more receptive to selling Barcola as they reshape their squad ahead of the new season.

The French champions are close to signing Yann Diomande from RB Leipzig, a move that would give them greater flexibility to allow Barcola to leave.

In addition, PSG are looking to generate funds to push ahead with a move for Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, whose fee is estimated at around £43m. Offloading Barcola would help free up both finances and space in the squad to complete that deal.

Barcola has made 152 appearances for PSG in all competitions, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists, underlining his consistent attacking contribution in Ligue 1 and in Europe.

Arsenal and Bayern trailing in transfer race

Arsenal have been tracking Barcola closely after failing in their bid to sign Morgan Rogers, who opted for a big-money move to Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen to add an additional wide forward to increase competition in the final third, but Liverpool’s decisive approach is thought to have put them ahead in the chase.

Bayern Munich have also monitored Barcola as part of their own attacking refresh, but their interest is currently viewed as less advanced than that of their Premier League rivals.

New era under Iraola after disappointing season

Liverpool’s push for Barcola comes as the club embark on a substantial rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard was appointed following a disappointing campaign that ended with the dismissal of Arne Slot, after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on a return to the Champions League.

Securing Barcola would mark one of the first major signings of the Iraola era and signal Liverpool’s intent to quickly re-establish themselves among the contenders for the league title and in Europe.

No agreement has yet been officially announced by either club, but with Liverpool believed to be leading the race and PSG prepared to negotiate, the deal is expected to be one of the defining transfers of the current window.