Arsenal receive boost in pursuit of PSG forward
Arsenal have been given encouragement over the availability of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, according to reports. The 23-year-old scored 13 goals in all competitions as PSG won Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season.
However, Barcola was dropped for the Champions League final against Arsenal, with Luis Enrique preferring to start Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in attack. Barcola, who is with France's World Cup squad, has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer.
PSG valuation and player stance
According to the BBC, Arsenal are now ready to ramp up their interest this week after 'receiving encouragement' that PSG would consider an offer for Barcola. The report adds that Arsenal intend to scout Barcola during France's World Cup last-32 game against Sweden on Tuesday night.
PSG are understood to value Barcola at €135 million (£116m), while reports earlier this month have claimed that the France international has asked to leave the Champions League holders this summer.
Positional fit and alternative target
Barcola primarily plays on PSG's left flank, the same area Arsenal are looking to strengthen in the summer transfer window, although he is also capable of operating on the right. Arsenal have also made Morgan Rogers one of their top targets to bolster Mikel Arteta's attacking options ahead of the new season.
However, Aston Villa are demanding a £130m transfer fee for the 23-year-old, who scored 10 goals and registered six assists in the Premier League last season.
