Get it done Richard Hughes: Liverpool face hijack threat in PSG forward deal

Liverpool are chasing a couple of winger deals before the summer transfer window closes.

The Reds’ stated aim for the current transfer period has always been adding one-v-one quality out wide. That need was stepped up when Mohamed Salah left for Trabzonspor on a free transfer.

Andoni Iraola is believed to be seeking at least five winger options to choose from for the season. And with Victor Munoz onboarded following his £34m arrival from Osasuna space remains in the squad for more widemen.

Liverpool will return with Barcola bid

The two in the frame right now are Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh. Minteh, 22, is a Brighton winger who signed from Newcastle for £30m back in 2024.

Richard Hughes has had two bids knocked back for the Gambian - worth £50m and £60m respectively. Undeterred by that rejection however the Reds’ sporting director is expected to return with a bid worth £70m to get a deal for the left-footer over the line.

Barcola is a more complicated case. Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be seeking a deal worth £145m for the 23-year-old France international.

And so far Liverpool have not been minded to pay that amount for the forward who joined from Lyon for around £40m back in 2023.

Arsenal waiting to hijack Barcola deal

He is under contract in Paris until 2028 but right now is not part of the first-team picture while his future is being sorted out.

Liverpool are practically guaranteed to return with another bid in an attempt to convince the two-time European champions to do business.

The big problem is the Anfield side do not have a clear run at Barcola.

And a report in Caught Offside is claiming that Arsenal are waiting in the wings to hijack a deal for Barcola.

“PSG are not budging on their demands for Barcola: £130m up front, with the possibility of add-ons taking it to £145m. Liverpool, by contrast, view Barcola as being worth £120m maximum,” the report reads.

“Liverpool and PSG still have no agreement on Barcola, there’s a significant gap in valuation.

“Arsenal haven’t completely gone away, and could aggressively enter the conversation again if it becomes clear this deal is really stalling.”

Barcola is open to Arsenal move

Barcola is believed to favour a move to Anfield but if it becomes apparent that a deal isn’t in reach then he will switch his allegiance to Arsenal.

“He could also be open to Arsenal, with the 23-year-old likely to be tempted by the prospect of living in London,” the report reads.

Arsenal clearly have got money to spend on a new forward. Having offloaded Leandro Trossard - and with a buyer being sought for Gabriel Martinelli - Mikel Arteta is serious about adding to his forward options.

A deal was sought for Vinicius Junior before the Real Madrid superstar renewed his contract. That money is now burning a hole in Arsenal’s pocket - with Barcola looming into view as a genuine market opportunity.