Liverpool get encouraging Barcola update
Liverpool have been handed a substantial boost in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, with Paris Saint-Germain nearing a deal for Maghnes Akliouche, who could serve as a replacement.
The Reds are in the market for a new winger following a patchy season from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah's recent exit. While talents such as Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa have been on Liverpool's radar, it's Barcola who is understood to be the priority signing now.
While the chances of a deal coming to fruition were slim just a matter of weeks ago, the odds have since risen substantially in Liverpool's favour.
PSG talks could reshape the situation
PSG could well be more open to a deal now, as Fabrizio Romano claims that the Ligue 1 stalwarts are currently in advanced talks with AS Monaco to sign Akliouche. The report also suggests that, while PSG had had four offers rejected previously, finer details of the deal are now in the process of being finalised. An announcement is expected any day.
The 24-year-old produced an outstanding campaign with Monaco in 2025/26, recording six goals and six assists in Ligue 1 to earn selection in Didier Deschamps' France World Cup squad.
Should PSG finalise a deal for Akliouche, it would intensify questions surrounding Barcola's position in Luis Enrique's plans.
Liverpool have pinpointed the Frenchman as their primary target to plug the gap left by Salah, owing to his outstanding form for both club and country.
Following a Ligue 1 and Champions League-winning season with PSG, Barcola also shone for his nation at the World Cup, further strengthening his case for a transfer.
Enrique's recent remarks regarding player commitment have only increased the likelihood of Barcola completing a switch. The Spanish boss recently made clear he only wants players wholly dedicated to PSG, and with Barcola receptive to the idea of moving on, he won't fit that bill.
PSG's asking price remains a major hurdle
However, a significant obstacle for Liverpool will be PSG's asking price for their prized asset. It is reported that Les Bleus are demanding approximately £145million to sanction Barcola's departure this summer - which would represent a new Premier League record transfer fee.
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This is despite CIES Football Observatory placing the winger's worth at around £85m earlier this week, while the Reds are reportedly looking to a deal around the £100m mark.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are not short of alternative targets should Barcola prove too costly this summer. Bournemouth talent Rayan has also been linked with a surprise move to Merseyside of late, having caught the eye in the Premier League with five goals and two assists since joining the club in January.
However, given how recently they secured his signature and the fact that a release clause won't become active until next year, the Cherries will be in a position to block any potential move outright. Liverpool will also face fierce competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the 19-year-old, should Bournemouth ultimately decide to sell.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and FC Köln's Said El Mala should they fall short in their pursuit of Barcola over the coming weeks.
They can also call upon Victor Munoz for the new campaign, having brought the Spaniard on board in a £34.5m deal earlier this summer.
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