Bradley Barcola makes transfer decision as PSG set asking price for France international
A significant update has emerged regarding the future of Bradley Barcola, according to reports in France, after it emerged that Liverpool have held 'preliminary talks' for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Barcola, who featured for France at this summer's World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes.
Bayern Munich are believed to have placed the 23-year-old on their shortlist of targets, while Arsenal were rumoured to be keen before they replaced Leandro Trossard with Greek winger Christos Tzolis.
Liverpool, however, are clearly the most interested. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, it emerged that the Premier League side have held 'preliminary talks' for Barcola, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
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PSG and Liverpool, meanwhile, are yet to engage in formal club-to-club negotiations but that is expected to change in the coming days, with Barcola being Liverpool's leading target.
With all that being said, the forward's price tag may become an issue. A report from French publication RMC Sport claims the Parisiens are holding out for €170million (£145m), a number that Liverpool see as 'inflated' and 'unrealistic'.
However, the Reds will try to budge that number down as they aim to strike an agreement.
"Liverpool also tried for Barcola last summer when he was valued around €85million," says Jacobs, who adds: "Liverpool have no intention to pay double that number now."
The report from RMC also suggests Barcola has informed PSG of his desire to leave after turning down a lucrative new contract offer with the Ligue 1 champions. A final offer of an extension was rejected three months ago.
Barcola, who scored 13 goals in all competitions for the French side last season, has two years left on his current deal.
"Liverpool factor in Barcola's desire to leave and the fact he has two years left on his contract," added Jacobs. "The feeling within the club is that if an agreement isn't reached this summer, PSG risk losing Barcola far cheaper in 2027 given he has no desire to sign a new contract."
Liverpool decide the player they must sell to fund Bradley Barcola transfer
Barcola’s proposed arrival could see a current Liverpool player leave and, despite Federico Chiesa being heavily linked with a move, it appears he may remain at Anfield as he strives to write a “new chapter” under new boss Andoni Iraola.
Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, could be pushed towards a departure, with Onze Mondial claiming the Netherlands international may leave despite signing a contract extension through to 2030 last summer.
Spurs are among several teams keeping tabs on the 27-year-old, who registered seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances under Arne Slot last season. Gakpo is reportedly valued at around £60-70 million.
Jack Kenmare