Liverpool have the player but not PSG’s number. Barcola is understood to favour Anfield if both offers land on the table, yet no agreement in principle exists between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, and the winger’s representatives are testing the market while the two clubs stay apart on the fee.

Arsenal, who lost the Champions League final to PSG in Budapest in May, are the challenger the Liverpool Echo, Sky Sports and The Independent have been tracking.

The Arsenal contact was one-way

According to Football365, Barcola’s representatives approached Arsenal on Friday morning to gauge whether the Premier League champions were planning a move. The Gunners’ answer was no, at least at the current price.

Arsenal have “no intention” of meeting PSG’s £128m valuation, per that report, and would only reconsider if the number dropped closer to £90m to £95m. If PSG blink on the fee, Arsenal are close enough to the file to move quickly. If they do not, Liverpool remain the only club actively negotiating.

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Liverpool ‘further down the line’ on terms

Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri put the negotiation in stark terms on 7 August, as reported by CaughtOffside.

“No agreement in principle between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola. Discussions continue.”

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, in the same reporting, placed Liverpool ahead of any late challenger, writing that Arsenal are playing catch-up while Liverpool are further down the line in negotiations over personal terms.

Sky Sports described the deal as “a difficult deal to complete at this stage” because of PSG’s stance on the fee. Liverpool are reported to have opened at around €115m; PSG want €150m.

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Iraola built a plan around wingers

Andoni Iraola’s arrival as Liverpool head coach reset the profile of the summer rebuild. His pressing model at Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano leaned on pace and workrate from the flanks, and Barcola is the marquee wide forward on the market who fits.

The 23-year-old France international has two years left on his PSG contract. He lost his starting place last season after PSG signed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the reigning Champions League winners have already added Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco in a €50m deal.

Fresh talks between Liverpool and PSG are set to continue this week.

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