Arsenal remain keen on signing Bradley Barcola after their bid for Morgan Rogers fell through, a development reported by Sky Sports News correspondent Dharmesh Sheth. The Gunners are actively scouting alternatives to reinforce their forward line now that their primary pursuit, Rogers, has completed a £117 million move to Chelsea from Aston Villa – a transfer that set a new benchmark for a British player. Earlier this summer, Sky Sports disclosed that Paris Saint‑Germain might be prepared to let Barcola depart if an attractive offer materialises. Sheth highlighted Barcola’s potential during a dedicated Sky Sports podcast that dissected Arsenal’s activity in the current transfer window.
He noted, “Barcola is a name that should be on Arsenal’s radar.” The French club’s willingness to entertain a sale could be influenced by their own interest in Yan Diomande, a promising right‑back from RB Leipzig. PSG are reportedly eager to secure Diomande to add depth to their attacking options. Should the German side reach an agreement for Diomande, the likelihood of Barcola exiting Paris increases, as PSG would need to rebalance their squad. Barcola, a 23‑year‑old who has already made a mark on the international stage with three goals in eight appearances for France at the recent World Cup, has also been linked with Liverpool.
His performances have attracted attention across Europe, and the prospect of a move to the Premier League appears increasingly realistic. Sheth also reminded listeners of PSG’s recent high‑profile fixtures: the Champions League quarter‑final against Liverpool, the semi‑final against Bayern Munich, and the final against Arsenal in Budapest. In those matches, players such as Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué featured prominently, while Barcola was conspicuously absent.
Sheth questioned Barcola’s future at PSG, asking whether he would be content to repeat a peripheral role next season and how his standing would be affected if Diomande also arrives. "If Arsenal bring in someone like Barcola, it seems like a very good fit," Sheth concluded, suggesting that the French winger could provide the quality and versatility Arsenal are still missing.
The failure to secure Rogers leaves Arsenal with a clear need to acquire a marquee forward. In response, the club has already agreed on a £34 million fee with Club Brugge for winger Christos Tzolis, a player expected to fill the void left by the departure of Leandro Trossard. Tzolis brings pace, technical ability and a proven goal‑scoring record, making him a viable short‑term solution while Arsenal continue to hunt for a higher‑profile target. Sporting director Andrea Berta’s recruitment philosophy also plays a crucial role in the club’s strategy.
Sheth observed that since Berta’s arrival, Arsenal have shifted away from a single‑player focus toward a broader, multi‑target approach. "It’s too risky to concentrate all resources on one player," he explained.
Instead, the Gunners identify three or four candidates for each position, advance negotiations with all of them, and then evaluate which option offers the best value both on and off the pitch. This systematic method involves extensive internal discussion, including input from manager Mikel Arteta and other key stakeholders.
The final decision hinges on a combination of factors such as transfer fee, wage structure, squad balance and long‑term potential. While Rogers was the top priority, Arsenal’s willingness to explore alternative avenues indicates that the window is far from lost. If the club cannot secure a high‑profile striker, they may look to augment their attack with players like Barcola, who can operate on the wing or cut inside as a forward.
Barcola’s strengths include his acceleration, dribbling flair and eye for goal, attributes that align well with Arsenal’s possession‑based, attacking philosophy under Arteta. Moreover, the potential exit of Diomande from PSG could create a domino effect, prompting the French side to offload additional assets to maintain financial equilibrium. This scenario would increase the probability of Barcola becoming available at a price that fits Arsenal’s budgetary constraints.
In summary, while missing out on Morgan Rogers is a setback, Arsenal have already taken steps to mitigate the blow by targeting Christos Tzolis and keeping Barcola on their watchlist. Andrea Berta’s multi‑target strategy ensures that the club retains flexibility and can pivot quickly should new opportunities arise. As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal supporters can expect further developments, with Barcola emerging as a plausible candidate to strengthen the squad’s attacking depth.