Arsenal are in the running for the £87m star

There are several reasons for the emergence of the group. Take the example of Arsenal. Not only have they kept their faith in Mikel Arteta but their recruitment strategy has been full of hits.

Of course, there have been many misses, but from the arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes and fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli during Unai Emery's tenure to the big summer window of 2023/24 when Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya arrived, the Gunners have been on the mend.

Nicolas Pepe aside, when Arsenal have spent big, they have always had a big return. Rice may cost £105m and Havertz £65m but a Premier League title is priceless. The way they have improved since that man Pepe left is very encouraging.

So, what does the next window hold? A year on from Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Co, the Kroenkes could spend big again as Arteta goes in search of a back-to-back league title.

Arsenal are targeting a big addition

Speaking after the award presentation on Sunday evening, Josh Kroenke spoke to NBC Sports and revealed that their summer planning is already underway.

“We've already had a few discussions about different areas we think we can improve – on and off the field,” he said. “We're looking forward to that continuing this summer.”

Well, how do you develop a world title winning side? However, the scary thing is that there are holes in this Arsenal team, especially on the left side of the attack.

A sensational move for PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskehlia has been popularized in recent months but given the last year the Paris club have enjoyed it, prying him out of the French capital would be like trying to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. You don't go very far.

Because of this, the attention of one of Kvaratskhelia's club mates. This happened to winger Bradley Barcola.

That said Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on his YouTube channel earlier this week and said: “If Yan Diomande goes to PSG, Bradley Barcola may really leave this summer, it is possible. Liverpool wanted Barcola in August 2025 but Liverpool is still there. For Barcola, there is also Arsenal. Arsenal as a player and I expect to move next to those two players.”

Previous reports have suggested he could cost around £87m this summer, making him a player for Kroenkes and Andrea Berta.

Why Barcola could be Arsenal's best player since Rice

When Arsenal signed Rice in 2023 for £105m from West Ham, it felt like the final piece of the puzzle. Of course, the Gunners also need a goalscorer, but this felt important.

They beat rivals Manchester City to his signing and in the process, they got one of the best up-and-coming midfielders in the game.

However, over the past three years, Rice has become one of the best midfielders in the world, possibly even one of the best in the world.

It was a change of signing for the team. He is amazing defensively and in the last few years, he has added goals and assists to his game. The Englishman netted nine goals in 2024/25, and assisted ten. This season he has scored five goals and nine assists as there is still a Champions League final to add to that number.

Rice has been a constant presence for Arteta over the past three years and has brought everything together but Barcola is cut from a very different cloth. That said, like Rice, he could be a player who completely transforms Arsenal's starting XI. He is a real roof raiser.

Why? Well, the Gunners need a left-back and they need a quality one. It was the only bright hole in the team this season when Arteta lacked a consistent option in that area of ​​the pitch.

Leandro Trossard came into his own a few weeks ago, scoring that decisive goal against West Ham, but that was his first strike in 25 consecutive games. He was enduring a bad time for 2026. Now, however, he is certain to start the final in Budapest later this week.

As for his rival, Gabriel Martinelli has never enjoyed a good season. The Brazilian ended the league campaign with a solitary goal. It was important, however, to find the net against Manchester City.

Therefore, Barcola could be a huge improvement for Arsenal on the left side of their attack. Given Kylian Mbappe's move to Paris a few years ago, journalist Robin Bairner described Barcola as “the next one”. [Kylian] Mbappe” and while his output may not be as high as his international team-mate, the PSG star has achieved that payback in parts.

As the Ligue 1 club secured continental honors last term, Barcola finished 2024/25 with 21 goals and 21 assists. 2025/26 has been a bit gentler for the 23-year-old but he has scored 13 points and provided six assists. In context, only Viktor Gyokeres (21) scored more points in Arteta's team.

On that evidence, he could be the final piece of the jigsaw as Arsenal aim to build a trophy-winning dynasty for years to come. If he can transform the attack like Rice did in midfield, it could be the biggest game-changer since the Englishman left West Ham.