Arsenal are looking into the necessary details before lodging a bid for Bradley Barcola, while Liverpool remain linked with the Paris Saint Germain winger. That turns a familiar summer link into a proper contest between two clubs who can both argue they need another wide option.

The Liverpool Echo says Barcola has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks as the Reds search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The same reporting also says Arsenal are now exploring what it would take to make a move of their own.

Why Arsenal's interest matters

This is the part that changes the temperature around the story. If it were only Liverpool showing interest, it would read like standard recruitment work. With Arsenal now checking the details too, Barcola becomes a player both clubs can reasonably pursue, rather than a name sitting on one shortlist.

His recent output helps explain why he is attracting attention. In the supplied sample, Barcola scored 1 goal in 5 recent matches, posted a 7.9 rating in his latest World Cup outing and needed only 19 minutes to make an impact in that game. That is the sort of form that tends to put a winger on more than one recruitment board.

Liverpool are still moving on other targets

Liverpool's interest in Barcola sits alongside work on other attacking options. The same report says they are close to a deal for Victor Muñoz after agreeing to pay his release clause.

The wording matters here. The source says Muñoz is expected to sign a six-year contract and beat Osasuna to his signature, but the move is still being described as close rather than complete. That leaves Liverpool with one winger chase still alive and another one heading toward the finish line.

For now, Arsenal have put themselves into a race Liverpool did not have to worry about a few days ago. If the Gunners decide to follow through, Barcola looks like one of the summer's cleaner transfer battles, with both clubs already giving the player enough attention for the story to keep moving.

Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →