The 2025/26 campaign will be one that forever lives in the memory of all Arsenal supporters, as the club ended their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s work at the Emirates deserves a huge amount of credit, but the success endured this season has only increased the demand for success from the fanbase.
The Gunners will now enter the 2026/27 season as the hunted rather than the hunters, but it’s crucial the senior players are able to withstand the pressures that come with it.
After the title win, Arteta has made it clear that he craves added reinforcements in various key areas of the squad to try and emulate such a feat once again next term.
Leandro Trossard’s departure from North London has opened the door for added investment in forward areas – leading to one player emerging as a key transfer target.
What Barcola would add to Arsenal’s attack in 2026/27
Over the last couple of weeks, Arsenal have emerged as just one possible destination for PSG winger Bradley Barcola ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Liverpool are another Premier League club named in the race for the 23-year-old attacker, who could be available for transfer – but he could cost at least £100m.
Such a figure would be a huge investment from the Gunners hierarchy, but it could prove to be worth every penny if he emulates his figures from his recent campaign in Ligue 1.
The left-winger registered a staggering 1.6 shots on target last term, which allowed the Frenchman to end the league season with 11 goals from his 29 outings.
|
Most G+As by wingers in Ligue 1 (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Mason Greenwood |
23 |
|
Ilan Kebbal |
13 |
|
Bradley Barcola |
12 |
|
Romain Del Castillo |
12 |
|
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia |
12 |
|
Maghnes Akliouche |
12 |
|
Endrick |
12 |
|
Desire Doue |
11 |
The former of the two stats ranked him in the top 6% of all forwards in the division – highlighting his ability to cause a constant threat within the attacking third of the pitch.
During the same campaign, Barcola also registered a staggering 2.1 chances created per 90 – with 0.6 of which being defined as big chances created.
Both of the numbers were higher than 95% of other attackers in France’s top flight, which showcases his ability to either find the net himself or provide others with endless chances in front of goal.
Why Arsenal’s £130m target would be a bigger talent than Barcola
Despite the reports linking Barcola with a move to Arsenal this summer, he’s not the only attacking player who has appeared on the hierarchy’s shortlist as of late.
Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis is another option currently in their sights, with reports even suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed with the Greek international.
The 24-year-old ended last term with a staggering 22 goals and 29 assists in his 52 appearances across all competitions – leading to talks over a possible £40m switch to join the Gunners.
However, Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers still remains one of the club’s main targets for the attacking department, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing an update on the situation.
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, he said: “I’m not aware of Arsenal being in active talks (for Barcola), he’s on the list, but the number one on that list is Morgan Rogers.
“For Barcola, Liverpool remain there, but again, it depends on how much PSG will ask to let him go this summer.”
The news about a potential move for Rogers will be music to the ears of all Arsenal supporters, with his stats from the recent campaign showcasing why he’s already a bigger talent than the Frenchman.
The Villa star ended the recent Premier League campaign on 16 combined goals and assists – a tally five higher than the PSG star could manage in Ligue 1.
The aforementioned figure highlights his incredible ability to cause carnage within attacking areas – potentially handing Arteta the added forward quality he’s hunting for this window.
He also managed to complete more of the dribbles he attempted last term, which makes him a better ball-carrier for the Gunners in their attempts to build on their title triumph.
Rogers’ tally of 5.1 touches in the opposition box per 90 – ranking him in the top 20% of players in the Premier League – also highlights his knack of being in the right place at the right time.
£130m would be a record deal for Arteta’s side, but it would secure the club a top-level attacking talent to star off the left-hand side of the attack for many years to come.
Barcola would also be a superb addition for the Gunners this window, but Rogers’ added quality and experience in England’s top-flight makes him a better signing this summer.
After winning the title last season, the 23-year-old is exactly the calibre of the player the hierarchy should be targeting – but time will tell if they can convince Villa to cash in on their star attacker.