Liverpool's Pursuit of Bradley Barcola: A New Right-Sided Star
Liverpool’s search for a new right‑sided star after Mohamed Salah’s exit has moved into sharper focus, and one name now sits at the top of their list: Bradley Barcola.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger, regarded as one of France’s most exciting wide forwards, is the subject of strong interest from Anfield, with reports in England suggesting Liverpool are currently in the strongest position to prise him away from Paris. PSG, for their part, are said to value the 21-year-old at around £100 million — a fee that underlines both his potential and their reluctance to lose him.
Liverpool’s need is obvious. Salah’s departure has ripped out a reliable source of goals, assists and sheer gravity on that right flank. The club want an established winger, not a project, and Barcola’s blend of pace, direct running and creativity has pushed him high up their shortlist.
They are not alone. Arsenal are also in the frame after missing out on Morgan Rogers, while Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation as they weigh up their own wide options. Arsenal’s interest is longstanding, but Liverpool’s urgency and the scale of their rebuild in attack give this pursuit a different edge.
While Barcola dominates Liverpool’s plans, the market around them is just as frantic.
Arsenal push on Diomande
Arsenal have not restricted themselves to one winger. The club have made an enquiry for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, according to reports, as they continue to search for extra firepower out wide.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with European champions PSG and is believed to favour a move to France. Leipzig, though, still hope to convince him to stay, with his contract running until June 2030 and time firmly on their side. Arsenal, aware of that long deal, are testing the waters rather than launching an all-out assault, but their interest underlines how intent they are on refreshing Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
Chelsea close in on Lacroix
At Stamford Bridge, the focus is on defence. Chelsea are in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a deal for Maxence Lacroix, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that talks are active and progressing.
Chelsea are confident an agreement can be found between the two Premier League clubs, and there is a clear willingness on all sides to reach a solution. Lacroix, fresh from making his World Cup debut with France and featuring in three of their eight matches, is keen on the move. For Chelsea, it represents another step in their ongoing attempt to reshape a back line that has lacked stability.
Liverpool circle Akliouche
Liverpool’s recruitment team are not stopping at Barcola. The club have made an initial approach to sign AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche, Sky Sports News reports.
Akliouche, 24, has just finished a World Cup campaign with France and now faces a decisive moment in his club career. PSG have already seen several bids rejected by Monaco, leaving the door ajar for other suitors. Liverpool have checked on his availability, sensing an opportunity if Monaco decide this is the right time to cash in on a player whose stock has never been higher.
Dortmund raise the stakes for Karetsas
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund are pushing hard for the next big thing. They have improved their offer for Genk wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas, with Sky Germany reporting a total package just north of €30 million, including potential add-ons.
An agreement is not yet in place, but talks are moving in what Dortmund consider the right direction. The 18-year-old is exactly the kind of profile the club have built their modern identity around: young, gifted, and likely to generate a hefty profit down the line if his development matches expectation.
Premier League midfield battles
Elsewhere in England, the fight for midfield talent is heating up. Manchester United and Arsenal remain locked in a battle for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott after Chelsea saw a bid rejected. Newcastle United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix, turning the chase for the 20-year-old into one of the Premier League’s most crowded transfer races.
At Fulham, talks are underway to bring in Real Madrid striker Gonzalo García, a player who already knows new manager Álvaro Arbeloa from their previous work together. The London club are looking for extra punch up front, and familiarity with the coach could prove decisive.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are moving to secure one of their most important assets. Captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to commit his future to the club once he returns from his summer break, with discussions over a new contract ongoing. For a team still trying to find a stable identity under the current regime, tying down their creative heartbeat is a priority.
Big decisions at Arsenal and beyond
Arsenal’s summer could yet take a dramatic twist. The club are reportedly willing to listen to offers for captain Martin Ødegaard, with an asking price in the region of £75 million. Any move for the Norway midfielder would reshape the core of Arteta’s side and send shockwaves across Europe’s elite, who are always alert to opportunities at the very top end of the market.
Beşiktaş are attempting a more opportunistic move, targeting Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock as he enters the final year of his contract. With his future at St James’ Park uncertain, the Turkish club sense a chance to add Premier League experience at a realistic cost.
Roma have also made their intentions clear, contacting Chelsea to ask about defender Axel Disasi. The Blues are open to a sale at around €20 million, a figure that makes the Frenchman an intriguing option for the Serie A side as they retool their back line.
Manchester City, never shy in the market, are ready to go big for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Reports indicate they are prepared to offer €90 million, with personal terms already agreed. City’s midfield is already stacked with quality, but the pursuit of Bouaddi shows their determination to stay ahead of the curve.
Moves on the continent
Bayer Leverkusen, fresh from a title-winning season, continue to add smart depth. They have reached an agreement to sign Hoffenheim right back Luca Erlein for €2 million plus bonuses, another calculated move from a club that has turned efficient squad-building into an art form.
In South America, River Plate are closing in on Ángel Correa after agreeing a €17 million package with Tigres and booking a medical. It is a statement of ambition from one of the continent’s giants, intent on adding proven quality to a squad already built to compete on multiple fronts.
Back in England, though, the question lingers over Liverpool. With Salah gone and the market moving quickly, will it be Bradley Barcola, Maghnes Akliouche, or someone else entirely who carries the weight of that famous right flank into the new era?
