Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign in-demand forwards Rafael Leao and Bradley Barcola this summer. A big-spending summer does not seem set to stop at Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez as Arne Slot targets back-to-back Premier League titles.
A new winger could also arrive at Anfield over the coming months, although Nico Williams may go elsewhere. Slot has often preferred Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo on the left of Liverpool’s attack. However, with both players linked with departures, an upgrade could be sought after the Reds complete moves for Wirtz and Kerkez. Leao has long been linked with a switch from AC Milan to the Premier League, while Barcola lit up Europe in Paris Saint-Germain’s all-conquering team.
According to German publication Bild, Liverpool are rivalling Arsenal and Bayern Munich for Leao. Fresh from winning the Nations League with Portugal, the 26-year-old could be set for a decisive summer with admirers from across Europe hoping to prise him away from Milan.
Leao’s representatives are said to have met Bayern officials to discuss a potential move to Bavaria. Arsenal reportedly view him as their second-choice target should a move for Athletic Club’s Williams fall through.
Having endured his least productive season since 2020-21, Leao could seek a new challenge elsewhere over the coming months. He scored eight goals in Serie A last season, bagging one fewer than the previous year and seven fewer than in 2022-23.
Leao’s future is said to hinge on Williams’ potential move from Athletic. Arsenal may be asked to cough up the Spain international’s £54m release clause, which is said to have risen from 12 months ago due to inflation.
Meanwhile, Barcola also remains an option for Liverpool should their competitors beat them to other targets. PSG’s front line is stacked with talent and the 22-year-old did not start their 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Barcola could be an even more expensive deal for clubs to complete this summer, with PSG reluctant to sell one of their best young players. The 22-year-old scored 14 goals as the Parisians coasted to yet another Ligue 1 title last season. He joined from Lyon two years prior.
Liverpool are wary that both Arsenal and Manchester City will improve their squads this summer. Germany star Wirtz is expected to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record, nine-figure deal. Milos Kerkez will also join from Bournemouth, with Liverpool also already adding Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks this summer.