Arsenal Target Barcola as Cole Urges Final Signing
Arsenal have joined the chase for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola – and former striker Carlton Cole is adamant he is exactly the type of forward Mikel Arteta should bring in before the window shuts.
Barcola wants out of PSG, with the French champions ready to cash in at the right price so they can reshape their own squad. That stance has sparked interest across Europe, and Liverpool have moved quickest so far, emerging as the most advanced contenders for his signature.
They have not closed the deal, though. That hesitation keeps the door ajar for Arsenal.
Liverpool lead, but Arsenal lurk
Liverpool’s interest has been the strongest over recent weeks, and they are well placed to land the 21-year-old. Yet no agreement is in place, and as long as that remains the case, Arsenal retain a chance to pounce late in the window.
A lot could hinge on Gabriel Martinelli. If Arsenal manage to move the Brazilian on, the dynamic changes. Space opens up on the left. Budget is freed. Suddenly, a serious move for Barcola becomes more than just an option on the table.
Barcola operates primarily off that left flank and would walk into an Arsenal attack already upgraded this summer, adding another direct, technically sharp threat in wide areas.
He would not arrive empty-handed, either. The Frenchman has collected back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG, and that kind of big-stage experience is exactly the profile Arsenal have tried to drip-feed into a young, ambitious squad.
Cole: “They need someone like that”
Speaking to the Metro, Cole set out what he believes Arsenal still lack as deadline day creeps closer.
“Bruno Guimaraes has come in, he's a brilliant player, and I still think they probably want one more signing before the window shuts.
“I know they're still trying to do a little bit of business. I think they need another left-sided forward, they're obvious in the running to sign Barcola; they need someone like that.”
For Cole, the equation is simple: one more left-sided attacker to round off the rebuild. In his eyes, Barcola fits that brief.
Final piece of Arteta’s attacking puzzle?
Arsenal have already been busy, but the chance to prise Barcola from Paris would sharpen their cutting edge again. His pace, one‑v‑one ability and exposure to high-pressure European nights at PSG tick several of the boxes Arteta and Edu routinely look for.
Liverpool still stand as serious rivals for the Frenchman, and their long-standing interest cannot be ignored. Yet their failure so far to close the transfer leaves a narrow window of opportunity for Arsenal to act, provided they can clear room in the squad and meet PSG’s demands.
If Barcola does get his move this summer, the question is simple: will he be adding his Champions League pedigree to an already evolving Arsenal frontline, or giving Liverpool another weapon in their own title push?
