Arsenal make big Bradley Barcola transfer decision after Morgan Rogers message sent

Arsenal have made a significant transfer decision regarding PSG forward Bradley Barcola after determining the cost of pursuing England international Morgan Rogers has become prohibitive. The Gunners stepped up their interest in the French winger this week following developments around Rogers' valuation, with Aston Villa demanding a fee exceeding 130 million pounds for their star player.

The 23-year-old Barcola emerged as an alternative target for Arsenal, who have been tracking him for some time. He played a total of 49 times for PSG last season in all competitions, scoring 13 times and providing seven assists. In his three World Cup appearances for France, Barcola has scored once and provided one assist, including a goal in France's 3-0 victory over Sweden.

Barcola has two years remaining on his contract with PSG, making him a significantly cheaper option compared to Rogers, whose deal with Villa runs until 2031. Middlesbrough are also entitled to 20 percent of any fee for Rogers. Arsenal believe a move for Barcola would prove more cost-effective, particularly given PSG's involvement in pursuing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

Should PSG complete a deal for Diomande, Barcola could be pushed down the pecking order, potentially allowing him to move. However, PSG boss Luis Enrique previously made his stance clear, stating: "I have no doubt he'll remain our player. We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on."

PSG value Barcola at more than 116 million pounds, though Arsenal's interest suggests they believe negotiations could prove possible. Liverpool have also identified Barcola as a replacement for Mohamed Salah as they prepare for the summer window.

Manager Mikel Arteta remains determined to strengthen the attacking options following Arsenal's Champions League final defeat. He said: "We're going to have to show that ambition because they are more than capable of doing it but it's going to demand us to be very very ambitious very fast and very smart."