Paris St-Germain are demanding £145m for Bradley Barcola this summer, placing the 23-year-old France forward firmly at the centre of what is shaping up to be a frantic final stretch of the transfer window. Arsenal and Liverpool are both said to be monitoring the situation, though whether either club is prepared to meet that valuation remains to be seen.
Barcola the headline act
PSG's willingness to sell at the right price will test the nerve of any suitor. Barcola has emerged as one of the most electric wide players in Europe over the past two seasons, and the French champions clearly know his market value. At £145m, the noises out of Paris suggest they are in no hurry to do business cheaply. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are understood to be admirers, but neither has publicly committed to a pursuit at that level of expenditure — not yet, anyway.
Vinicius situation more complicated
Also linked to Arsenal is Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, though the picture there is considerably murkier. The Spanish club have reportedly set a price of around 160 million euros — roughly £137m — to part with the 26-year-old Brazilian, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Bernabéu. Arsenal are said to be willing to offer Vinicius the largest contract in the club's history, yet his own priority is reported to be agreeing fresh terms at Real Madrid rather than heading elsewhere. No talks between Arsenal and Madrid have been opened at this stage.
Guimarães wants clarity fast
Closer to home, Arsenal are set to accelerate their pursuit of Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães. The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder has reportedly told his representatives he wants his future sorted within the week — before he is due to report back for Newcastle's pre-season training camp. That self-imposed deadline puts real pressure on both clubs to move quickly, and Arsenal are expected to open formal talks imminently.
Savinho heading to Spurs?
Tottenham are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Manchester City winger Savinho. The 22-year-old Brazilian only arrived at the Etihad last summer, but Spurs are said to be in pole position should City decide to move him on this window. It would represent a significant coup for Ange Postecoglou's side if a deal can be concluded.
Salah's next chapter
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah remains without a club following his departure from Liverpool. Turkish giants Besiktas have submitted what is described as their final offer to the Egyptian forward, who turns 34 this month, and are now waiting on a decision. The market will be watching closely to see where one of the Premier League's all-time greats lands next.
Other business
Elsewhere in Monday's gossip:
- Chelsea will demand a significant fee for Pedro Neto, 26, despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
- Juventus are working on a deal to bring Joshua Zirkzee back to Serie A from Manchester United.
- Al-Hilal have opened talks with Everton over Iliman Ndiaye, with the 26-year-old Senegal winger attracting Saudi interest.
- Cardiff City have agreed to sell 16-year-old midfielder Axel Donczew to Arsenal, with the Welsh teenager expected to complete his move this week.
- West Ham have rejected a Brentford approach for left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, insisting the 21-year-old is not available.
Monday's gossip columns suggest a window that is only just getting into its stride. The Barcola and Guimarães sagas, in particular, look set to dominate the back pages across the coming days.
Frequently asked
- How much are PSG asking for Bradley Barcola?
- Paris St-Germain are reported to want £145m for the 23-year-old France forward, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs credited with interest.
- Is Arsenal signing Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle?
- Arsenal are expected to accelerate talks over Guimarães imminently. The midfielder has reportedly told his camp he wants his future resolved within the week, before Newcastle's pre-season camp begins.
- Where will Mohamed Salah play next season?
- Salah is a free agent after leaving Liverpool. Turkish club Besiktas have reportedly submitted their final offer and are waiting for the 34-year-old Egyptian's decision.