Liverpool make €115m offer for Arsenal target

L’Equipe reports Liverpool have lodged a nine-figure bid for the PSG winger, with Arsenal’s hopes hanging on what happens next.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 16: Bradley Barcola #12 of France celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) — Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Arsenal are reportedly continuing to monitor Bradley Barcola, but Liverpool have moved first with a fresh attempt to prise the winger away from Paris Saint-Germain.

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool have submitted a bid worth an estimated €115 million for the France international as they step up their efforts to complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer.

The French newspaper reports that the proposal is expected to be rejected, but says it represents a significant shift in negotiations after several days of discussions between the clubs.

L’Equipe writes: “After several days of discussions, the Reds decided to move into a more concrete phase by sending a proposal estimated at €115 million to Paris-Saint-Germain for the French international. It should be refused, but is not trivial.”

Liverpool advance for Barcola After several days of discussions, the Reds decided to move into a more concrete phase by sending a proposal estimated at € 115 million to Paris-Saint-Germain for the French international. It should be refused, but is not trivial. Bradley Barcola had faced Virgil Van Dijk's Reds on April 14, in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, at Anfield. Will the Parisian put on the famous red tunic? L'Equipe LOÏC TANZI 8 Aug 2026 The outcome of the negotiations between PSG and Liverpool for the transfer of Bradley Barcola is still far away. But, with just over three weeks to go until the transfer market closes, the Reds have decided to speed things up. According to English sources, the managers of the Premier League club must send an estimated offer of € 115 million for the French international (28 caps, 6 goals). The details of the proposal, in particular its fixed and variable share, the various bonuses as well as the percentage on a possible resale, are not yet known. This offer must however allow Liverpool to enter a more concrete phase of its strategy to recruit the 23-year-old winger. PSG could open the door In England, however, there are few illusions about the expected response of the Paris-SG. It should be negative. In this case, the Parisian management now claims that it could accept an offer of more than € 150 million, excluding bonuses, after having long assured that Barcola was not transferable. The decision of the former OL player not to extend a contract that expires in June 2028 pushed the Parisian managers to open the door to a departure. More generally, the president Nasser al-Khelaifi, the adviser of QSI Luis Campos and especially the coach Luis Enrique repeat since the beginning of their joint project that no player will be retained against his will. Even well below the requirements of the double European champions, the English proposal constitutes a message addressed to PSG and the player. At the club, first of all, because it demonstrates that the desire to recruit the native of Lyon is very real. Often, on the transfer market, mandated agents – that is to say commissioned by a club to lead the negotiations – assure the selling clubs that the will of the buyers is very strong. However, no offers arrive, the requirements being considered too high. Simple discussions can also serve as a decoy to hide another, more serious lead. A positive signal for the player To the player next, for similar reasons. An element who wishes to join a club as soon as possible may find the time long and end up doubting the intentions of his future employer. Already agreeing on the terms of his contract with Liverpool, Barcola can thus see in this proposal a positive signal sent by the English managers. Despite the difference in prices, the discussions are considered fluid by all parties. Richard Hughes (Liverpool's sporting director) and Campos are leading the joint discussions, in conjunction with Moussa Sissoko, Barcola's representative. One step higher, Al-Khelaifi, very busy at the moment with the various FIFA-related matters, has nevertheless recently become involved by speaking with his English counterparts. Also a sign of Liverpool's wish, there are no such concrete negotiations with another player in Barcola's position. The leaders of the Reds simply asked their cell to remain active on this position to manage to be reactive in case of failure. — L’Equipe 8 August 2026

The report adds that the structure of Liverpool’s offer, including the balance between guaranteed payments and bonuses, has not yet been leaked. However, it marks the clearest indication yet of the Premier League club’s determination to sign the 23-year-old.

Despite that, PSG are not expected to accept the bid.

L’Equipe claims the French champions would only consider selling Barcola for more than €150 million, excluding bonuses, having previously insisted he was not for sale.

That position is said to have softened after Barcola declined to extend his contract, which expires in June 2028.

The report also states that Nasser al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos and Luis Enrique have maintained throughout their project at PSG that no player will be kept against his wishes.

Liverpool’s latest proposal is also viewed as a message to the player. Having already reportedly agreed personal terms with the Reds, Barcola is said to have received reassurance that the club’s interest is genuine rather than exploratory.

L’Equipe reports that discussions between the parties remain ‘fluid’, with Richard Hughes and Campos leading negotiations between the clubs alongside Barcola’s representative, Moussa Sissoko, while Al-Khelaifi has also become directly involved in talks with Liverpool.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola in recent weeks, but Liverpool are currently the club making the most concrete push.

Whether PSG’s valuation eventually opens the door to a transfer remains to be seen, but for now the French side appear determined to hold out for a significantly higher fee.

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