Liverpool are reportedly preparing to submit a fresh bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the Reds growing increasingly confident that a deal can be struck in the coming days, according to reports in France.
Negotiations between the two clubs have reportedly stalled over the winger's valuation, with PSG holding out for a fee in the region of £145m. That price tag has proven a significant obstacle, and Arsenal, who are also monitoring the France international, are said to be reluctant to match PSG's demands.
However, the picture appears to be shifting following PSG's confirmation of a deal for Ajax winger Yorbe Godts, a transfer reportedly worth up to £47m. Godts has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Parc des Princes after an impressive campaign in the Netherlands, where he contributed to 30 goals in 34 Eredivisie appearances last season.
The arrival of the highly rated Belgian winger is expected to further squeeze Barcola's playing opportunities at PSG, where he already finds himself competing with the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue for a place in Luis Enrique's attack. With Godts now also in the mix, Barcola's path to regular first-team football looks set to narrow even further, strengthening the belief that he could push for an exit before the window closes.
Barcola's frustration over limited minutes has reportedly been building, and sources in France suggest that Godts' arrival will only speed up his desire to leave the Ligue 1 champions. Liverpool are understood to be planning a new offer for the 22-year-old as early as next week, buoyed by signs that PSG's stance may soften with an able deputy already lined up.
The winger's current standing at PSG was underlined during the club's UEFA Super Cup clash with Aston Villa earlier this week, a match PSG won 2-1. Barcola remained an unused substitute throughout, with fellow summer arrival Maghnes Akliouche preferred in the starting lineup instead.
Should Liverpool succeed in their pursuit, Barcola would become the second winger to join the Merseyside club this summer, following the arrival of Victor Munoz. Manager Arne Slot is understood to be keen on adding further attacking depth and versatility to his squad as Liverpool look to mount challenges on multiple fronts this season.
The Reds' business will not stop there, though. With the transfer window edging toward its conclusion, Liverpool are reportedly eager to continue strengthening a squad they view as lacking sufficient depth in certain areas, particularly defence. That means, even if the Barcola deal is finalized, further incomings could follow before deadline day arrives.
For PSG's part, the club continues to reshape its forward line following a stellar campaign under Luis Enrique. The signing of Godts adds a fresh, dynamic option out wide, and with a queue of attacking talent already at his disposal, the Spanish coach appears content to let Barcola pursue a move elsewhere if the right offer materializes.
All eyes will now turn to how PSG respond to Liverpool's anticipated approach, with the coming days likely to prove decisive in determining whether Barcola makes the switch to Anfield or whether Arsenal find a way back into contention despite their reported reluctance to meet the asking price.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (Football).