Liverpool confident of signing Barcola – Thursday’s gossip

Liverpool’s summer pursuit of Bradley Barcola has moved into a decisive phase, with multiple reports indicating the club believe they are in pole position to sign the Paris Saint-Germain winger before the transfer window closes. The Reds are not alone in their interest—Arsenal are also active in the race—but Anfield’s hierarchy believe Barcola’s World Cup performances have elevated his stock to the point where a deal is now likely. The 23-year-old contributed four goal involvements during France’s tournament campaign, including a crucial assist in the semi-final against England, and Liverpool view him as a potential creative outlet to replace Mohamed Salah’s output in wide areas according to BBC Sport’s coverage.

Barcola’s rise intensifies Liverpool’s transfer calculus

Barcola’s emergence as a global talent during France’s World Cup has forced Liverpool to recalibrate their summer strategy. The Reds, who finished fifth last season, have identified the Frenchman as a direct replacement for Salah’s creative output, with club insiders emphasising the need for a proven performer rather than a speculative gamble on unproven potential. Liverpool’s hierarchy has been vocal about their ambition to add Barcola to Jürgen Klopp’s rebuild, with negotiations reportedly progressing smoothly after initial discussions with PSG. The club’s confidence stems from Barcola’s direct style of play, his ability to operate in multiple attacking positions, and his Champions League experience with PSG as detailed in BBC Sport’s report.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are edging closer to a deal for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, though the England Under-21 international remains cautious about game-time at the Emirates. Scott’s preference for Chelsea—after the Blues’ £64m bid was rejected by Bournemouth—adds another layer to the midfield carousel, with Manchester United also monitoring the situation. The Gunners’ pursuit of Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, meanwhile, has hit a snag, as the Magpies demand upwards of £80m and have yet to receive a formal approach from Arsenal despite reports of the midfielder’s desire to join.

Manchester United’s midfield revolution takes shape

Bruno Fernandes has moved to reassure Manchester United’s fanbase by committing his future to the club, with contract talks ongoing. The Portugal international’s decision comes as United bolster their midfield ranks with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while reports suggest a potential swoop for Rodri could trigger a domino effect at Real Madrid. If City’s World Cup-winning midfielder secures a move to the Bernabéu, Aurelién Tchouaméni’s future at Madrid could become uncertain, with United ready to pounce if the Frenchman becomes available. The Red Devils are also tracking Eduardo Camavinga, though the 23-year-old’s versatility and Champions League pedigree have made him a target for Chelsea and Arsenal as well. United’s midfield remains a priority, with manager Erik ten Hag likely to push for at least one more marquee signing before the window closes.

The Rodri scenario underscores United’s strategic gamble: by targeting the Spain international, they are effectively betting on a potential collapse of City’s dominance in midfield. Rodri’s contract expires next summer, and Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez has reportedly given the green light for a move after initially hesitating, according to the Daily Mail. This could free up funds for United to pursue Tchouaméni, whose contract situation at Madrid has become fluid, or even Camavinga, who has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs as reported by Mirror Football.

Arsenal’s defensive crisis compounds transfer uncertainty

Arsenal’s title ambitions face a fresh setback after William Saliba was confirmed to be sidelined for an “extended period” with a back injury sustained during France’s World Cup semi-final. The Gunners have yet to provide a definitive timeline for his return, raising concerns over their defensive stability ahead of a pivotal Premier League campaign. Saliba’s absence compounds Arsenal’s defensive turnover, with the club yet to address the issue with a high-profile replacement as confirmed by Sky Sports.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimarães has dominated transfer talk, but Newcastle’s intransigence—demanding a fee above £80m—has left the Gunners exploring alternatives. The Magpies’ refusal to sell could force Arsenal to recalibrate their strategy, with internal discussions reportedly considering the sale of captain Martin Ødegaard to fund reinforcements. The club’s defensive crisis, combined with their inability to secure Guimarães, has exposed the fragility of their summer planning, particularly after the £50m departure of Declan Rice to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window as reported by Mirror Football.

Liverpool’s confidence in Barcola’s transfer reflects their pragmatic approach to squad-building, prioritising proven performers over speculative gambles. Manchester United’s midfield revolution, meanwhile, hinges on Rodri’s potential departure from City, a scenario that could reshape the Premier League’s power dynamics. Arsenal, hamstrung by defensive frailties and transfer impasses, face a summer of recalibration—one that may force them to confront uncomfortable truths about their ambitions.