Mikel Arteta has instructed Arsenal to submit an official offer for PSGâs World Cup star Bradley Barcola, according to reports.
Arsenal have long-standing interest in Barcola, who helped PSG retain the Champions League last season, with the French giants beating Artetaâs side in the final.
The 23-year-old enjoyed another impressive season in the French capital and continued his superb form in Franceâs opening World Cup win over Senegal, scoring his sideâs second in a 3-1 victory.
Arsenal were keeping tabs on Barcolaâs situation even before meeting PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest and recent reports claimed the winger had asked for a summer move.
Liverpool have also made an approach for Barcola, with new Anfield boss Andoni Iraola hoping to welcome two forwards to the club this summer.
But Liverpool will face serious competition from Arsenal, with The Independent claiming Arteta has âhighlightedâ Barcola as a top target to his bosses at the Emirates Stadium.
It is claimed the Gunners are âlooking into the necessary detailsâ before approaching PSG with an official bid.
While Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season and reached the Champions League final, Artetaâs side were often accused of lacking creative spark in the final third.
As a result Arteta is keen to sign at least two new forwards this summer, with Barcola seen as an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes his fellow countryman would be a âgreat optionâ for new Premier League champions Arsenal.
âBradley Barcola, with his pace and talent, is fantastic,â Lebouef told BoyleSports.
âHe still has an issue with finishing, which he has to improve because he has many chances but doesnât convert them. We saw that during the Champions League final when he had two big chances but ruined them.
âArsenal would be an interesting destination, he is a great option for them. But would Arsenal be interested in him on the left wing? It looks like Gabriel Martinelli might be moving on, so that could be something.â
As well as targeting Barcola, Arsenal are also interested in England midfielder Morgan Rogers and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez.
Discussing Arsenalâs summer transfer plans towards the end of last season, Josh Kroenke said: âThe business never stops.
âRight now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that.
âWeâve already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch.
âI am looking forward to getting that going this summer but itâs going to be an interesting one because of the World Cup but fortunately everyone is coming to the United States so I donât have to travel.â
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Arsenal have long-standing interest in Barcola, who helped PSG retain the Champions League last season, with the French giants beating Artetaâs side in the final.
The 23-year-old enjoyed another impressive season in the French capital and continued his superb form in Franceâs opening World Cup win over Senegal, scoring his sideâs second in a 3-1 victory.
Arsenal were keeping tabs on Barcolaâs situation even before meeting PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest and recent reports claimed the winger had asked for a summer move.
Liverpool have also made an approach for Barcola, with new Anfield boss Andoni Iraola hoping to welcome two forwards to the club this summer.
But Liverpool will face serious competition from Arsenal, with The Independent claiming Arteta has âhighlightedâ Barcola as a top target to his bosses at the Emirates Stadium.
It is claimed the Gunners are âlooking into the necessary detailsâ before approaching PSG with an official bid.
While Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season and reached the Champions League final, Artetaâs side were often accused of lacking creative spark in the final third.
As a result Arteta is keen to sign at least two new forwards this summer, with Barcola seen as an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes his fellow countryman would be a âgreat optionâ for new Premier League champions Arsenal.
âBradley Barcola, with his pace and talent, is fantastic,â Lebouef told BoyleSports.
âHe still has an issue with finishing, which he has to improve because he has many chances but doesnât convert them. We saw that during the Champions League final when he had two big chances but ruined them.
âArsenal would be an interesting destination, he is a great option for them. But would Arsenal be interested in him on the left wing? It looks like Gabriel Martinelli might be moving on, so that could be something.â
As well as targeting Barcola, Arsenal are also interested in England midfielder Morgan Rogers and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez.
Discussing Arsenalâs summer transfer plans towards the end of last season, Josh Kroenke said: âThe business never stops.
âRight now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that.
âWeâve already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch.
âI am looking forward to getting that going this summer but itâs going to be an interesting one because of the World Cup but fortunately everyone is coming to the United States so I donât have to travel.â
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow MORE: Gary Neville claims England âtargetedâ Croatia star during World Cup win
Arrow MORE: Arsenal legend Ian Wright makes England World Cup claim after Croatia win
Arrow MORE: Thomas Tuchel reveals what he said at half-time to inspire England win over Croatia
