Liverpool are reportedly in discussions to bring Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola's priority target to Anfield, as the club continues its search for reinforcements on the flanks this summer, while Paris Saint-Germain appear to be preparing for the potential departure of winger Bradley Barcola by lining up a replacement of their own.
According to reports, the Ligue 1 champions have already agreed a deal worth £42.8million (€50m) to sign Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, with the French forward expected to undergo a medical with PSG later this week after returning from his post-World Cup break. The move suggests PSG are bracing for the possibility that Barcola could leave the Parc des Princes before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool have been credited with strong interest in Barcola, but negotiations between the two clubs have reportedly stalled over the transfer fee. It is understood that the Reds have prepared an initial offer in excess of €100million (£85.6m) for the France international, a figure that remains significantly below PSG's own valuation of the winger. Despite the gap in valuations, talks between the parties are said to be ongoing.
Liverpool's pursuit of attacking reinforcements comes as no surprise given recent comments from head coach Arne Slot, who last month acknowledged the club's need to strengthen in wide positions. Speaking to reporters, Slot admitted that while it is not always straightforward to quantify exactly how many new faces are required, certain areas of the squad clearly need addressing.
"I think it is difficult to say a number," Slot said. "When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
The Dutch coach also referenced the club's current squad situation, hinting that injuries have complicated Liverpool's planning for the upcoming campaign. "We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things," he added.
Barcola, who has established himself as a key attacking option for PSG in recent seasons, would represent a significant statement signing for Liverpool if the deal were to go through, though the financial gap between the two clubs' valuations suggests further negotiation will be required before any agreement is reached. The France international's future remains a subject of speculation as both his current club and potential suitors weigh their options.
PSG's apparent move for Akliouche indicates that the Ligue 1 side are taking a pragmatic approach to the situation, ensuring they have cover in place regardless of how the Barcola saga unfolds. The Monaco forward has been strongly linked with a switch to the French capital, and his medical this week would mark a significant step toward finalizing his transfer.
As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will remain on whether Liverpool can bridge the financial divide with PSG to secure Barcola's signature, or whether the France international will instead stay in Paris as Akliouche arrives to bolster PSG's attacking options. Iraola's interest at Bournemouth adds another layer of intrigue to Liverpool's wider search for wide reinforcements as the club looks to strengthen multiple positions before the window shuts.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.