Premier League champions Arsenal have made the first concrete move in what is shaping up to be a massive summer bidding war.
The Gunners are preparing an opening proposal to Paris Saint-Germain for electric winger Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old French international put English scouts on maximum red alert after scoring a brilliant goal against Senegal earlier this week, amid reports that contract talks with the French giants have completely stalled.
Mikel Arteta views Barcola as the ultimate marquee addition to future-proof his wide areas, though Arsenal face stiff opposition from long-term admirers Liverpool, who are closely monitoring the unfolding situation, but unlikely to enter a bidding war.
