Liverpool Lead Arsenal in Race for PSG's Bradley Barcola

Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with reports suggesting the Reds are confident of beating Arsenal to the Frenchman’s signature this summer. According to media, the Merseyside club are in the 'driving seat' for the 23-year-old, who could be on his way out of the Parc des Princes if PSG succeed in signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. The Ivorian defender is keen on a move to the French capital, and his arrival might free up space for Barcola to depart. Arsenal have also expressed interest in Barcola, but Liverpool are said to be pushing harder. However, the deal is complicated by Liverpool’s simultaneous pursuit of Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, a player PSG have also been negotiating for. If the Reds beat their Premier League rivals to Akliouche, PSG may be reluctant to let Barcola go. Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing a formal £70 million (€82m) offer for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães. The broadcaster reports that talks have accelerated, but Newcastle are expected to reject the bid, which falls well short of their valuation. The Magpies are growing frustrated with outside parties trying to unsettle the Brazilian, who has not requested a transfer. Manchester United are also in the market for a midfielder, with Tyler Adams back on their radar. The media claims the Bournemouth man could be available for around £35 million (€41m), as the Cherries look to avoid selling Alex Scott. United have already brought in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans but need more depth after Manuel Ugarte’s long-term knee injury. United also have their eyes on former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo, now at Botafogo, but face competition from Newcastle. The Brazilian is weighing his options after returning from World Cup duty, with offers from Palmeiras and Zenit St Petersburg already on the table. In other news, Borussia Dortmund have improved their offer for Genk’s Konstantinos Karetsas to over €30m, while Manchester United are considering a move for Tottenham’s Djed Spence, valued at €50m. Fulham have pulled out of the race for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia, and Torino have opened talks with Leeds for goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Flamengo are close to an agreement with Atlético Madrid for Thiago Almada, with the fee expected to land between €20m and €28m.