Arsenal's Transfer Strategy: Barcola and Álvarez on the Radar
Leandro Trossard’s exit from Arsenal felt inevitable once the season ended. Important goals or not, the Belgian has been moved on to Besiktas, a clear signal that Mikel Arteta is ready to reshape his forward line again. One wide attacker gone, and another under scrutiny.
Because the next name on the watchlist is bigger: Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian, once the raw, fearless symbol of Arsenal’s new era, suddenly looks less secure. With the club hunting fresh firepower and needing room in both the squad and the wage bill, a serious offer for Martinelli might not be waved away this time. Arsenal are champions, but Arteta’s gaze is already fixed on what it will take to stay there and finally conquer Europe in 2026-27.
That brings the conversation straight to Bradley Barcola.
Barcola: The winger who hurt Arsenal – and might now help them
Barcola did not just impress at the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise; he also played his part in crushing Arsenal’s Champions League hopes last season. His work for PSG helped the French giants secure back-to-back European crowns, slamming the door on the Gunners’ dream.
He is 23, electric, and already used to the sharp end of elite competition. Yet he is not a guaranteed starter in Paris. Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia crowd the wide positions, and Barcola’s contract only runs to 2028. For a club like PSG, that combination can quickly turn into an opportunity to cash in.
The 2026 summer window is open. Temptation is in the air.
Arsenal, with their long history of raiding France for talent, are being pushed to test PSG’s resolve. Mikaël Silvestre, who knows both clubs well, sees almost no downside. Speaking to GOAL, in association with talkSPORT Bet Online Slots, the former defender called a move “an obvious choice for both the player and the club”.
From Silvestre’s point of view, the fit is clear: Barcola is young, proven at PSG and with France, and perfectly aligned with what Arsenal are trying to build. Retain the Premier League title. Take the final step in the Champions League. Add another ruthless wide forward to tilt tight games.
On his side, it is “a green light… 100%.”
Arsenal are not alone, though. The Premier League queue for Barcola is already forming.
Liverpool, United and a tug-of-war for the future
Liverpool are searching for the heir to Mohamed Salah. That is not a small job description. Barcola’s ability to operate on either flank and stretch defences makes him an obvious candidate for the shortlist at Anfield.
Manchester United, back in the Champions League and desperate to avoid another false dawn, also need more punch in attack. Dwight Yorke did not bother with subtlety when he spoke to GOAL about what his former club should do.
“Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue. I’d go for one of them if I was Michael Carrick. It’s as simple as that,” he said. Versatility is the lure: both can play left, right, or wherever the attack needs them.
Yorke pushed the point harder. If Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain, United should not hesitate. “Go and get Doue or Barcola,” he urged. Two names, one clear message: sign decisive, reliable attackers who can deliver now.
So Arsenal face a choice. Wait and risk losing a prime target to a domestic rival, or move early and aggressively, knowing that a significant fee and a big role would likely be needed to convince both PSG and the player.
And Barcola is not the only marquee name on their board.
Alvarez: The £120m decision
While the club weigh up wide options, another potential headline deal sits on the table: Julián Álvarez.
Fresh from reaching the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina alongside Lionel Messi, the forward missed out on a second global title but enhanced his reputation again. Now at Atletico Madrid after his spell with Manchester City, Álvarez could be prised away for around £120 million.
Silvestre believes his impact for the national team speaks volumes. Below Messi in the pecking order, Álvarez has still been Argentina’s most influential player in recent years. That is not faint praise.
At Atletico, trophies are harder to come by. The club’s ceiling, the style, the grind of their football – it all raises the question of whether Álvarez might be tempted by a different project. Silvestre senses a loyal character and admits he does not know if the striker is ready to move, but he is unequivocal on the quality on offer.
Given what Álvarez has produced this season, Silvestre sees him as a “great signing” for Arsenal, particularly alongside Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres. A front line of that calibre, fed by the likes of Bukayo Saka and potentially Barcola, would turn Arsenal’s attack into something truly unforgiving.
The dilemma is obvious. To fund that kind of business, someone significant may have to go. Trossard has already left. Martinelli could follow. The squad would change shape again.
Arteta and Arsenal have climbed back to the top by making bold, sometimes ruthless decisions. With Barcola and Álvarez in their sights and rivals circling the same targets, the next one might define how far this title-winning side can actually go.
