Earlier this week, we reported that Bradley Barcola had moved closer to Liverpool after Paris Saint Germain appeared open to compromise. The latest picture is less tidy. Liverpool have held preliminary talks with PSG, but Sky Sports say there is still a significant gap between the clubs’ valuations, and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations.

Liverpool's lead has not become a deal

Fabrizio Romano told football365.com: "Negotiations continue between Liverpool and PSG for Bradley Barcola but nothing is agreed or even at final stages as of now. Barcola, top target for #LFC and he wants the move as revealed since May… never in doubt. No breakthrough in talks yet."

That fits the wider reporting. PSG’s stance is that the move is difficult to complete at this stage because of the fee they want for Barcola, while Romano also said the figures being discussed range from €145m to €170m. Liverpool may be in front, but there is no verified sign that the gap has been closed.

Barcola’s numbers explain why the interest has stayed high. He has 8 appearances and 3 goals in the current tournament sample, with a 7.09 rating. His most recent outing was a 7.9-rated performance, which is another reason the chase has not gone away.

Arsenal have been alerted too

Arsenal have not been left out of the conversation. Barcola’s representatives have reportedly reached out to Arsenal to assess a possible summer move, and a Football Transfers report said the club made it clear they will not move at PSG’s current valuation.

That report also said Arsenal have no intention of paying €150m for the 23-year-old. On their side, the valuation is said to sit around €105m-€111m, far below PSG’s ask. So the situation is not a simple Liverpool-versus-Arsenal hijack. It is a price battle, and PSG are still holding the stronger hand.

For now, Liverpool remain the more advanced suitor, but the last word is still the same one that has followed this story for days: talks continue, and nothing has broken open yet.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →