Arsenal urged to hijack Liverpool’s Bradley Barcola transfer pursuit

Arsenal have been encouraged to challenge Liverpool for the signing of Bradley Barcola, with former Gunner Emmanuel Frimpong believing the Paris Saint-Germain winger would be a perfect addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.

Liverpool have made the 23-year-old one of their priority attacking targets this summer as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his Premier League champions ahead of the new campaign.

Barcola is understood to be open to a move to Anfield, although Paris Saint-Germain's valuation of more than £130 million remains a major obstacle.

The French international has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after attackers after another impressive campaign with the Ligue 1 giants.

While Arsenal are already closing in on an £80 million move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, they are also pursuing further attacking reinforcements.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong believes the club cannot afford to stand still after finally winning the Premier League title.

"Mikel and the boys have finally got it over the line, which I'm very happy about," Frimpong told Ladbrokes.

"But they shouldn't just win it once and be satisfied with that. They have to keep on winning it now and dominate just like how Man United and Man City have in the past."

Frimpong believes Arsenal still need additional quality in wide areas and sees Barcola as one of the best realistic options available.

He also feels Arsenal should strengthen in central midfield despite Declan Rice's continued importance.

"We've got the players, we've got a deep squad and hopefully this summer, the board are going to strengthen further, because I still think we need a couple of wingers and a proper number eight."

On Barcola specifically, he added: "For me, when it comes to realistic signings this summer, I feel like Bruno Guimarães is someone I'd love to see at Arsenal. And also Bradley Barcola… I think he would be very good for Arsenal. Barcola and Bruno Guimarães would be a very good transfer window for Arsenal."

Liverpool currently appear to be the club making the strongest push for Barcola, but Arsenal's continued activity in the transfer market means the Gunners could yet emerge as rivals if they decide to pursue another marquee attacking signing.

Whether PSG would entertain offers below their asking price remains one of the biggest questions of the summer.

Liverpool remain the favourites to land Barcola if they can strike an agreement with PSG, but Arsenal's ambitious spending this summer means they could yet enter the race should Arteta decide another elite winger is required before the transfer window closes.