Arsenal balk at PSG’s £145m asking price for Barcola as Arteta weighs attacking options

Arsenal’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has encountered a significant financial stumbling block, with Paris Saint-Germain holding out for approximately £145 million for the French forward.

The Gunners have been tracking Barcola as they look to reshape their attacking lineup, particularly with Gabriel Martinelli now nearing a move to Al Hilal.

Nonetheless, Arsenal are unconvinced that the PSG winger justifies such a hefty fee, particularly given that he has not always been a guaranteed starter in the French capital.

Arsenal consider PSG’s valuation excessive

According to The Athletic, Arsenal regard PSG’s asking price of around £145m as far too steep for Barcola.

The 23-year-old is admired at the Emirates, but the club are said to have reservations about investing that level of money in a player who has had to compete for regular starts at PSG.

Sky Sports has also corroborated the valuation, reporting that PSG are demanding roughly £145m.

Liverpool remain in dialogue with the French champions and have held additional constructive discussions regarding a potential transfer.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Arsenal continue to appreciate Barcola’s qualities but consider PSG’s demands unreasonable, with the club also weighing up other prominent attacking targets as Martinelli edges toward the exit door.

Gunners taking their time over final call

Barcola would unquestionably enhance Arsenal’s attacking depth.

He possesses pace, excellent one-on-one ability, and the versatility to operate from either wing, making him a natural candidate to fill the void left by Martinelli. However, £145m represents superstar-tier money.

At that figure, Arsenal would require Barcola to slot straight in as a regular starter and emerge as one of the Premier League’s most decisive forwards from the outset.

That is an enormous ask for a player who, despite his considerable talent, has not consistently held down an undisputed starting berth at PSG.

Martinelli’s anticipated departure should not push Arsenal into a hasty decision either. Offloading him for a substantial sum only makes sense if those funds are reinvested wisely.

Liverpool’s ongoing negotiations could generate some pressure, but Arsenal would be wise to avoid getting drawn into a bidding war simply because a rival is pursuing the same target.

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