Arsenal’s Barcola pursuit in doubt as PSG ‘won’t sell to a rival’

Arsenal have been warned that any move for a Paris Saint-Germain forward this summer is likely to prove futile, with former Sunderland midfielder Stefan Schwarz suggesting the Ligue 1 champions have little appetite to strengthen a Champions League rival. The Gunners are said to be admirers of Bradley Barcola, though reports indicate PSG have slapped a £116million price tag on the winger and made clear he is not for sale.

Arsenal enjoyed a memorable 2025/26 campaign under Mikel Arteta, winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004. But it was also a season of near-misses in the cup competitions, with the north Londoners falling in the FA Cup quarter-finals to Southampton and losing the EFL Cup final 2-0 to Manchester City at Wembley.

Their European campaign ended in similarly agonising fashion. Arsenal reached the Champions League final in May and were widely regarded as the better side on the night against PSG, only to lose on penalties 4-3 at the Puskas Arena after the match finished level.

Schwarz sees room for improvement up front

Speaking to Mirror Football via Casino Groups, Schwarz praised the defensive foundations that underpinned Arsenal’s title win, but suggested there is scope for Arteta’s side to sharpen their edge in the final third. “That’s why Arsenal won the league, they were solid in defence and a good goalkeeper as well,” he said.

“A fantastic goalkeeper. They give you confidence and trust as defenders. Maybe you can push the line a little bit higher up, but you know that the keeper deals with what he has to deal with,” Schwarz added.

“I believe Arsenal could be more threatening when they attack more clinically. It’s always difficult when you play against teams that are in a low block and very compact. We’re talking about world-class players and world-class defenders in all of the teams.”

He continued: “But that’s what they’re going to be like next season. It will not be easier. It will even be harder. We need to bring in some with striking power, clinical finishing to get another level. You always need to improve, even as a champion. You always need to improve for the next season.”

PSG stance a stumbling block

Asked whether particular players had caught his eye as potential reinforcements, Schwarz pointed towards PSG’s ranks but was quick to temper expectations. “There are some – some play in PSG, if we talk. But I don’t think they will sell to a rival who competes for Champions League titles,” he said.

Arsenal are understood to be among several clubs keeping tabs on Barcola, with scouts reportedly having watched the 23-year-old winger impress for France against Sweden at the World Cup. However, the France camp have already indicated that Barcola is not available this summer, regardless of interest from England.

With PSG’s valuation understood to sit around £116million, a deal would represent a significant outlay even for one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs. Arsenal’s business so far this summer has been slow, and Schwarz’s comments suggest the Gunners may need to look elsewhere if they are to add the cutting edge he believes is required to defend their Premier League crown.

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