Arsenal Eye PSG Winger Barcola as Rogers Pursuit Stalls; Meslier Free Transfer Eyed

Arsenal's summer recruitment is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta's side now targeting PSG winger Bradley Barcola as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners have made just one permanent addition so far, securing Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen for approximately £40m following a successful loan arrangement. However, that's merely the opening chapter of their transfer business, with a new winger and central midfielder firmly on the agenda.

Rogers Deal Proves a Bridge Too Far

Arsenal's initial focus on landing Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has hit a significant snag. The England midfielder carries a hefty £130million price tag, and Villa have made abundantly clear they're not entertaining offers for their prized asset. That setback has forced Arteta's hand, prompting a pivot towards alternative targets.

Barcola Emerges as Plan B

Enter Bradley Barcola. The PSG forward has become expendable at the Parc des Princes following a bit-part campaign, particularly with the French club now seemingly ready to welcome Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. Liverpool had also been tracking Barcola's availability, but Arsenal have received positive signals that the winger could be pried loose this summer.

Arsenal are expected to accelerate their pursuit of the 26-year-old this week, having received encouraging indications regarding his potential availability. Barcola represents a genuine alternative to the Rogers impasse and could provide the creative firepower Arteta craves.

Meslier on Free Transfer Radar

In an intriguing subplot, Arsenal are also exploring a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer after slipping down the pecking order at Elland Road, and uncertainty surrounding second-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's future has prompted Arsenal to scout the goalkeeper market. Meslier's availability without a transfer fee makes him an attractive proposition for the Premier League champions.