Manchester United could be set to lose out on Bradley Barcola, with Arsenal reportedly ready to move first in an increasingly competitive chase for the talented 23-year-old forward, according to a new report.

Few clubs in Europe can afford to keep such a gifted player as Barcola on the bench, but Paris Saint-Germain operate on a different level. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the Ligue 1 champions successfully retained their Champions League crown last month, defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest — a win that symbolised both French dominance and footballing excellence.

PSG’s attacking trio of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue has been both dynamic and prolific, combining for 23 goals in European competition. Yet their brilliance has left limited opportunities for Barcola to secure a regular starting role, even after his outstanding 2024/25 campaign in which he contributed 21 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.

This current season has been less rewarding for the France international, who has managed only 20 goal contributions in total and did not start either the semi-final or the final of the Champions League.

There is a growing belief that the Lyon academy graduate must move away from Parc des Princes to fully realise his potential. This situation has alerted several top European clubs — including Manchester United — to a possible summer move.

According to reports relayed by The Peoples Person, United have already held preliminary discussions with Barcola’s representatives to gauge his interest. However, virtually every major European club is said to have made contact as well.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Napoli are all believed to be in the race alongside United, reflecting Barcola’s high standing in continental football.

PSG would prefer to extend Barcola’s current contract, which runs until 2028. However, with the forward open to exploring an exit, the French giants are reportedly willing to listen to offers exceeding €100 million (£87 million).

While United are in the market for a new left winger this summer, their main focus remains a major midfield overhaul. PSG’s hefty valuation could therefore prove a stumbling block, as INEOS aim to dedicate the majority of their transfer budget toward strengthening Michael Carrick’s midfield setup.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing to make a formal offer worth around €80 million (£70 million), according to Caught Offside. The Gunners are keen to build on last season’s triumph, when Mikel Arteta led them to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Although this figure falls short of PSG’s asking price, it signals serious intent from Arsenal and is expected to be the starting point in what could become one of the most high-profile transfer negotiations of the summer window.

For United, signing Barcola would significantly boost their attacking depth, providing an option to rotate with Matheus Cunha on the left or feature centrally in place of Benjamin Sesko. However, the club’s current financial priorities make it unlikely they can match Arsenal’s bid.

This financial restraint also explains United’s recent interest in West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, who would cost less than half of Barcola’s price tag. For INEOS, the pursuit of Barcola may simply have arrived a year too soon in their long-term rebuilding project.