Arsenal face huge hurdle in pursuit of prolific target - 'won't sell to a rival'

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Stefan Schwarz has warned Arsenal that their hopes of prising away any Paris Saint-Germain players this summer are slim, with the Ligue 1 giants having little desire to strengthen a Champions League rival. The Gunners were a formidable force throughout 2025/26, with Mikel Arteta steering the club to its first Premier League crown since 2004.

The north London outfit also produced a series of impressive performances across domestic cup competitions. They battled their way to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they were on the wrong end of a 2-1 shock defeat to Southampton , while also securing a place in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City - a match that again ended in disappointment, with a cruel 2-0 loss at Wembley.

Arsenal's European adventure was equally remarkable, as they marched all the way to the Champions League final in May. Despite appearing to be the superior side against PSG on the night, they ultimately left the Puskas Arena with nothing to show for their efforts, falling to a heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat that finished 4-3 in Les Parisiens' favour.

And despite their defeat, Schwarz , speaking to Mirror Football via Casino Groups , believes that Arsenal may have played themselves out of a move with an outstanding showing in Europe's top club competition. Noting that a rock-solid defence secured his former club the title, Schwarz said: "That's why Arsenal won the league, they were solid in defence and a good goalkeeper as well.

"A fantastic goalkeeper. They give you confidence and trust as defenders. Maybe you can push the line a little bit higher up, but you know that the keeper deals with what he has to deal with."

Yet the 57-year-old Swede suggested there remains scope for enhancement further forward. He added: "I believe Arsenal could be more threatening when they attack more clinically.

"It's always difficult when you play against teams that are in a low block and very compact. We're talking about world-class players and world-class defenders in all of the teams.

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"But that's what they're going to be like next season. It will not be easier. It will even be harder. We need to bring in some with striking power, clinical finishing to get another level. You always need to improve, even as a champion. You always need to improve for the next season."

When quizzed on whether any specific players had caught his eye, Schwarz responded: "There are some - some play in PSG, if we talk. But I don't think they will sell to a rival who competes for Champions League titles."

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It is thought that Arsenal are amongst several clubs linked with a summer swoop for Bradley Barcola, though any prospect of a deal coming to fruition appear slim and none. Reports indicate that scouts from the club watched the 23-year-old winger shine for France against Sweden at the World Cup , despite Les Bleus making it clear to the Gunners that their left-winger is not available.

Reinforcing that stance further, PSG are understood to have placed a £116m price tag on Barcola this summer - a figure that may well prove beyond reach, even for Europe's elite.