Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to budge on their valuation of winger Bradley Barcola despite mounting interest from two Premier League heavyweights, Liverpool and Arsenal, according to reports.
Sky Sports has reported that there remains a considerable disparity in valuation between PSG and any potential suitors for the 22-year-old forward. While Liverpool and PSG are said to have reached an agreement in principle worth around €128million (£109m), the French champions are understood to be holding out for a fee closer to £145m, a gap that currently makes any transfer difficult to finalize.
Arsenal have also been mentioned as admirers of Barcola, but any move from the Emirates would similarly hinge on PSG's willingness to lower their asking price. As things stand, the French club appear unwilling to compromise, leaving both English sides in a holding pattern.
Barcola's versatility has made him an increasingly attractive option for top European sides. Capable of playing across the front line and even through the middle as a striker, he enjoyed a productive campaign last season, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists across 49 appearances for PSG in all competitions.
The young Frenchman also has notable experience against both of his reported suitors on the continent's biggest stage. He featured against Arsenal in last season's Champions League, coming off the bench in the final as PSG defeated the Gunners on penalties to lift the trophy. Barcola also played a role against Liverpool, returning from injury to help PSG secure a crucial quarter-final second-leg win at Anfield.
Those performances, combined with his overall output and adaptability, have only strengthened his growing reputation as a coveted asset in the transfer market. With PSG standing their ground on price, however, it remains to be seen whether either Liverpool or Arsenal will be willing to meet the French club's demands or if the standoff will continue into the summer window.
For now, PSG's stance suggests they see Barcola as a key figure in their squad going forward, and are not inclined to sell below their valuation regardless of the interest shown by two of England's biggest clubs. Both Liverpool and Arsenal will need to decide whether to increase their offers significantly or look elsewhere as the transfer saga continues to develop.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.