Arsenal Make Serious Push for PSG's Barcola as Berta Circles Winger

Arsenal have ramped up their interest in snapping up PSG winger Bradley Barcola this summer, with the club's sporting director Andrea Berta personally steering negotiations behind the scenes.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is keen to quit the Parc des Princes after growing frustrated with his playing time in the French capital. Barcola has made it clear to PSG that he wants out, despite being contracted until 2028, with the Ligue 1 champions slapping a £100million price tag on their man.

Last season told the story of his predicament. The winger managed just 21 league starts and 12 Champions League appearances, finding himself further down the pecking order than he'd like. The emergence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele as Luis Enrique's go-to attacking options has left Barcola hungry for regular football elsewhere.

Berta had already cast an eye over Barcola's situation last summer but was told the player would remain at PSG for at least another campaign. That hasn't deterred the Arsenal chief, who has kept the lines of communication open with Barcola's representative, Moussa Sissoko. Berta has made Arsenal's serious interest abundantly clear and requested a heads-up should PSG become willing sellers.

Liverpool are also circling, though Arsenal appear to be leading the charge. PSG's stance is straightforward: renew your contract or we'll sell. With negotiations having stalled earlier in the year to allow focus on crucial fixtures, talks between Sissoko and PSG have since resumed following the Champions League final.

The French outfit's current dealings in the market—including serious discussions over defender Yan Diomande and midfielder Maghnes Akliouche—could yet influence how the Barcola situation develops. What's clear is that Berta means business and will be ready to pounce should PSG open the door to a sale.