Arsenal remain keen on signing Bradley Barcola after their pursuit of Morgan Rogers fell through, according to Sky Sports News correspondent Dharmesh Sheth. The Gunners have been forced to explore alternative options to reinforce their attacking line‑up following the news that Rogers has completed a £117 million move to Chelsea from Aston Villa – a transfer that set a new record for a British player. Earlier this summer, Sky Sports reported that Paris Saint‑Germain might be willing to let Barcola depart if an appropriate bid materialises.
Sheth highlighted Barcola’s name during a dedicated Sky Sports podcast that dissected Arsenal’s activity in the current transfer window, describing the French winger as "a player to keep an eye on." PSG, meanwhile, appear to be concentrating their resources on acquiring Yan Diomande, a promising right‑back who could bolster their defensive options. The French club’s interest in Diomande, who currently plies his trade at RB Leipzig, could indirectly accelerate Barcola’s exit from the Parisian side. At 23, Diomande has already attracted attention from Liverpool and has impressed on the international stage, netting three goals in eight appearances for France at the World Cup.
Sheth also noted that PSG’s biggest recent fixtures – the Champions League quarter‑final against Liverpool, the semi‑final versus Bayern Munich, and the final against Arsenal in Budapest – featured a core group of players such as Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué. Barcola, however, was not part of that core, prompting the question of whether he would be satisfied with a similar role next season. Moreover, if Diomande also secures a move to Paris, Barcola’s standing in the squad hierarchy could become uncertain.
"If Arsenal were to bring in someone like Barcola, it would be a very sensible fit," Sheth argued, suggesting that the winger could provide the creative spark Arsenal have been missing. The failure to land Rogers leaves Arsenal with a clear need to secure a high‑profile forward.
The club has already agreed a £34 million fee with Club Brugge for the acquisition of winger Christos Tzolis, who is expected to fill the void left by the departure of Leandro Trossard. Tzolis brings pace and technical ability, and Arsenal hope he can adapt quickly to the Premier League’s demands.
Sporting director Andrea Berta continues to apply his distinctive recruitment philosophy, which favours a multi‑target approach rather than putting all eggs in one basket. Sheth explained that under Berta’s guidance, Arsenal do not concentrate solely on a single player; instead, they line up three or four prospects for each position they wish to strengthen. The club then progresses negotiations with all of them, assessing each deal’s value both on and off the pitch. "They will line up several options, push each negotiation forward, and then step back to evaluate which offer provides the best overall return," Sheth said.
"After that, they discuss the shortlist with Mikel Arteta and the broader recruitment team before making a final decision." In the case of Rogers, Arsenal’s top priority, the club was unwilling to meet the £117 million price tag, resulting in a missed opportunity. While this is a setback, Sheth stressed that it does not signal the end of Arsenal’s window. "They have other deals in the pipeline and will revert to those alternatives," he added. The potential departure of Barcola from PSG could open a valuable window for Arsenal, especially if the club can present a compelling financial package.
Barcola’s profile – a quick, technically adept winger with experience in Ligue 1 and a growing reputation on the international stage – aligns well with Arsenal’s desire to inject fresh attacking impetus. If Arsenal can secure Barcola, he would join a squad that is actively reshaping its offensive options, complementing newcomers like Tzolis and providing depth alongside established stars such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The addition of a player of Barcola’s calibre could also create healthy competition for places, pushing the existing forwards to raise their performance levels.
Overall, while the loss of Rogers is a disappointment, Arsenal’s broader recruitment strategy – characterised by diversified targeting, careful financial assessment, and close collaboration with the coaching staff – suggests that the club remains well‑positioned to strengthen its attack before the deadline. Whether Barcola becomes the next name on Arsenal’s list will depend on PSG’s willingness to negotiate and Arsenal’s ability to craft an attractive offer that satisfies both clubs and the player himself. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the network shares breaking news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. The ongoing conversation around Arsenal’s transfer plans continues to evolve, and the Gunners’ supporters eagerly await confirmation of any new signings that could shape the team’s fortunes for the upcoming season.