Liverpool Set to Test PSG's Resolve with Opening Barcola Offer - Plus Vini Jr, Kroupi Updates

Liverpool are preparing to submit an initial bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after the player reportedly gave the green light to a move to Anfield. The 23-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, has no intention of extending with the Ligue 1 champions. PSG have slapped a €170 million price tag on Barcola, but Liverpool's opening offer is expected to be in the region of £80 million (€93.3 million)-similar to the bid they recently had turned down for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande. While Barcola remains the Reds' priority, the club is unwilling to overpay and has alternative targets lined up should PSG refuse to negotiate. Meanwhile, Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Vinicius Junior. media reports that Real Madrid have no intention of selling the Brazilian this summer, despite his contract expiring next year. Vinicius is Arsenal's top attacking target, and the Gunners were prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the club's history. However, Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is determined to keep the winger, even with the anticipated arrival of Diomande. Further talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid over a new long-term deal are expected this week, and the club remains confident an agreement will be reached. Barcelona have switched focus to Eli Junior Kroupi after hitting a wall in negotiations with Atlético Madrid over Julián Álvarez. According to L'Equipe, the Catalan side made two offers for the Bournemouth striker, both below €100 million, but both were rejected. The Cherries are unwilling to part with their young star, though Kroupi is said to be keen on the move and has told his representatives he wants to join Barça. Elsewhere, Juventus have expressed interest in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has struggled for regular minutes since arriving in 2024 and is expected to leave Old Trafford. United prefer a permanent sale but are aware of Juve's interest, with a loan-to-buy option not ruled out. Ajax and two other Premier League clubs have also enquired. In other transfer news: Coventry are close to signing Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth for €25 million plus add-ons and a buy-back clause; Tottenham are working on a deal worth over €70 million for Manchester City winger Savinho, who has told the club he wants to leave; Ajax have a verbal agreement to sign Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare; Brentford are in advanced talks for Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare in a €48 million deal, with Crystal Palace monitoring; and Olympiakos have agreed a deal to sign former Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after his release from Nottingham Forest.