Arsenal are poised to capitalise on a shifting transfer landscape, with a surprise opportunity emerging to sign Paris Saint-Germain's coveted winger Bradley Barcola. This comes after primary target Antoine Semenyo confirmed his move to Manchester City, and long-time admirers Liverpool potentially step back from the race.
Semenyo Snub Opens Door for Arsenal Flank Reinforcement
The Gunners' search for attacking reinforcements has taken a new turn. Antoine Semenyo, the Bournemouth forward heavily linked with a move to the Emirates since last summer, is now expected to complete a transfer to Manchester City in the January 2026 window. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the deal is not yet finalised but is fully anticipated, giving Pep Guardiola a significant boost for the season's second half.
This development forces Arsenal to look elsewhere. Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be seeking a high-calibre upgrade rather than mere squad depth, aiming to fine-tune what is already considered one of Europe's strongest squads. The focus has now shifted towards a player who can provide elite competition on the flanks.
Bradley Barcola: A 'World-Class' Target Back on the Radar
According to French publication L'Équipe, via journalist Loic Tanzi, Bradley Barcola's future at PSG will become a major topic next summer. The French international, who shares a similar profile to Semenyo, is reportedly growing frustrated with his reduced role in Paris. This situation has alerted several Premier League clubs, with Arsenal previously linked in December.
Intriguingly, Arsenal's move could see them gain an edge over rivals Liverpool. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Barcola was a serious consideration for Liverpool last summer as an alternative if they failed to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. Romano described the PSG star as viewed by Liverpool as a "world-class winger" and a significant opportunity.
Why Liverpool's Stance May Have Changed
The dynamics of the pursuit have altered significantly since the summer. Liverpool ultimately succeeded in signing Alexander Isak for a substantial fee, fulfilling their primary offensive objective. This major acquisition likely changes their immediate priorities and financial flexibility regarding another expensive attacking player like Barcola.
While PSG are not actively looking to sell and may even offer the winger a new contract, player power often dictates these situations. If Barcola has decided his future lies away from the French capital, a transfer becomes plausible. This opens a window for Arsenal to make their move, potentially securing a top-tier talent who was once high on a direct rival's wishlist.
For Mikel Arteta, securing a player of Barcola's calibre would represent a statement signing, directly addressing one of the few areas where his squad could be enhanced as they challenge on multiple fronts.
