Liverpool are pressing ahead with their pursuit of two Paris Saint-Germain wingers, Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, as the Premier League club looks to bolster its attacking options before the English transfer deadline on September 1.
According to reports from French outlet RMC Sport, Liverpool are preparing to lodge a fresh bid for Barcola this week as talks with PSG continue over a potential deal for the France international. There remains a discrepancy between the two clubs' valuations of the player, but Liverpool are said to be determined to keep pushing for an agreement.
More encouraging progress appears to have been made in Liverpool's separate efforts to sign Mbaye, an 18-year-old who was born in France but represents Senegal at international level. The teenager has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract that would keep him at Anfield until 2031, a development that has accelerated discussions between the two clubs. Bayer Leverkusen, who had also been credited with interest in the youngster, are no longer thought to be in the running for his signature.
Head coach Andoni Iraola is eager to add further firepower to his squad after a summer in which Liverpool's transfer business has been concentrated largely on defence. The club has already brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo to strengthen the backline, but their only forward addition to date has been Spain international Victor Munoz, signed from Osasuna after his £34.5million release clause was triggered during the World Cup.
The need for reinforcements in the final third has been underlined by a string of concerns in attack. Hugo Ekitike remains out with a long-term injury, while question marks persist over the futures of Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa at Anfield. Liverpool have yet to identify a marquee replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed the club at the end of last season and has since joined Turkish side Trabzonspor.
During pre-season, Iraola relied heavily on academy products such as Lewis Koumas and Will Wright, alongside other emerging talents including Trey Nyoni and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, to fill gaps in attacking areas. Record signing Alexander Isak, Munoz, and highly rated teenager Rio Ngumoha remain among the senior attacking options currently available to the Spanish coach.
Barcola is understood to be viewed by Liverpool as the ideal long-term successor to Salah, given his profile and output at PSG. Speculation over the futures of both Barcola and Mbaye intensified after neither player was included in PSG's matchday squad for Sunday's French Super Cup defeat to Ligue 1 rivals Lens.
Asked about the transfer situation surrounding the pair following that loss, PSG manager Luis Enrique declined to be drawn into specifics. "I will only talk about the transfer window at the end of the transfer window, not before or after," he said. "When the transfer window is closed, I will talk about all the subjects."
With just weeks remaining before the deadline, Liverpool appear intent on resolving both situations swiftly, particularly given the growing urgency to add depth and quality to Iraola's attacking options. How PSG respond to the anticipated new offer for Barcola, and whether the Mbaye deal can be finalized, are likely to shape the closing stages of Liverpool's summer transfer business.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).