Liverpool set to launch fresh £120m bid for PSG's Barcola with Mbaye deal also close

Liverpool are poised to make a fresh bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola before the end of the week, according to French outlet RMC Sport, with PSG holding firm on a £120m valuation for the 23-year-old France international.

Andoni Iraola’s side have identified Barcola as a priority attacking target this summer and remain ‘motivated’ to get a deal done despite a gap in valuations between the two clubs. PSG were initially reluctant to sell, but the arrivals of Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts have softened their stance, and the French club are now open to a departure at the right price.

Barcola was notably absent from PSG’s squad for Sunday’s Trophée des Champions defeat to Lens, fuelling speculation over his future. The winger has made clear he has no intention of signing a new contract at the Parc des Princes, though he still has two years remaining on his current deal.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi offered little clarity when asked about Barcola last week. “We’re working calmly,” Al-Khelaifi said. “We don’t talk too much. We get things done. All of our players are important. When they sign for PSG, they become important to us.”

If completed at £120m, the deal would make Barcola Liverpool’s second most expensive signing in history, behind Alexander Isak’s £130m arrival from Newcastle.

Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG talent does not end there. The Reds have also reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with 18-year-old PSG midfielder Ibrahim Mbaye, who has given his green light to a move to Anfield and is not entertaining interest from other clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool and PSG are expected to negotiate a transfer fee ahead of the September 1 deadline, with PSG seeking a figure between £30m and £45m for the teenager.

Combined, the two deals could cost Liverpool in the region of £165m, though a joint negotiation may result in a modest reduction. The Reds have had a relatively quiet summer in terms of incomings, with Jeremy Jacquet joining from Rennes in a £53m deal among the notable arrivals so far.