Arsenal prepare Barcola bid as Liverpool hijack Newcastle's move for Victor Munoz

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to The Independent, as Mikel Arteta’s side make the first move in what could become a battle with Liverpool for the France international’s signature.

Barcola caught the eye at the World Cup, scoring in France’s 3-1 group-stage win over Senegal, and that form appears to have accelerated Arsenal’s interest. Liverpool are also said to be monitoring the 22-year-old, though the Gunners are understood to have moved first.

While the Barcola pursuit develops, Liverpool have already secured one wide addition this window — and done so at Newcastle’s expense. Andoni Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot following an internal review, is on the verge of completing his first signing as Reds head coach: Victor Munoz, the 22-year-old Spanish winger from Osasuna.

Liverpool triggered Munoz’s £34 million release clause after Newcastle had already had an offer accepted by the Spanish club. According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, the Magpies were awaiting a response from the player when he chose to move to Anfield instead — a scenario that echoes Liverpool’s hijacking of Newcastle’s move for Hugo Ekitike last season.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are also said to be working on a deal for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, though those negotiations are reported to be ongoing.

At Manchester United, the buy-out clause that would have allowed Barcelona to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis expired this week following his loan spell. The 28-year-old showed no ill effects at the World Cup, coming off the bench to complete England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. Reports suggest new United head coach Michael Carrick is open to reintegrating Rashford into his plans at Old Trafford.

United are also continuing behind-the-scenes work to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, though no deal has been confirmed.