Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed Arsenal's interest this week, stating the Gunners have closely monitored Barcola and gathered detailed information on the player. Plettenberg described a summer transfer as possible, with Barcola's camp understood to be quietly assessing options despite his contract running until June 2028.
Barcola joined PSG from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2023 for €45million and has since posted 38 goals and 37 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions for the club.
This season he has contributed 12 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances, though competition for starting positions has intensified with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé all ahead of him in head coach Luis Enrique's pecking order.
PSG rebuffed Liverpool's approach for Barcola in March, insisting he was unavailable. The French champions' position has since softened, with PSG now open to listening to strong offers. A fee of between €70million and €80million has been consistently cited.
Arsenal are in the market for a left-sided forward and have also been linked with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, 23, and Georgia international Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of PSG. Liverpool are targeting two wide attackers this summer as they reshape their forward line following Mohamed Salah's departure. Barcelona are assessing alternatives with their own attacking options uncertain following Robert Lewandowski's contract situation.
Bayern Munich had strong interest in Barcola last summer but were deterred by his wage demands and are not currently in the race, focusing their efforts on Gordon instead.
Barcola has earned three goals across 18 appearances for the French national team. At 23, with Champions League final experience and the profile of a player who could grow into a leading role, he represents one of the most attractive forward targets available this summer. The club that moves fastest and most convincingly may have the best chance of landing him.