Bradley Barkola: Arsenal considering Paris Saint-Germain forward as Morgan Rodgers replacement — BBC
According to the BBC, Arsenal representatives worshiped Bradley Barkola; He is likely to be seen again in France's World Cup last-32 match. Barcola has emerged as an alternative as the £130m that Villa are charging for Morgan Rodgers is thought to be a six-figure losing price.
While Arsenal are currently targeting Morgan Rodgers, the club are also eyeing Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barkola as a strong alternative through their scouting department. According to BBC Sport, Arsenal representatives are expected to watch Barcola again in the France-Sweden World Cup last-32 match (22:00 BST).
England's Arthur Morgan Rodgers (23) is Arsenal's favorite to sign, but recent reports suggest Aston Villa are valuing him at £130m — which could pose a major financial hurdle. But Rodgers is not Arsenal's only golden target: the club are also keen to bring in Barkola, especially given that his contract at the Paris club expires in the summer of 2028, and Barkola is likely to cost less than Rodgers (Rogers' contract runs until 2031).
There's also the possibility that RB Leipzig forward Yann Diomande's move to PSG could affect Barcola's future — the postponement or completion of Diomande's transfer could affect Barcola's position at the club.
According to reports, Liverpool are also tracking Barca, so there could be competition between the clubs. Arsenal, meanwhile, are also looking into the goalkeeper situation: with the second-choice goalkeeper currently in doubt, the club are also interested in Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Meslier is currently out of the number one spot at Leeds and his contract expires this summer — so he could be available on a free transfer. With Kefa Arrizabalaga's future unclear against this background, Arsenal are exploring the goalkeeper transfer market.
Overall, Bradley Barkola is approaching as a more interesting alternative when Arsenal are looking to strengthen their forward charge at a lower cost, with the price tag on Morgan Rodgers becoming an issue.