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Arsenal have slipped further behind in the race to sign the French forward.

Liverpool are reportedly ready to submit a new bid next week for Arsenal target Bradley Barcola, with growing belief after Paris Saint-Germain completed the signing of Mika Godts.

The Reds have been involved in lengthy discussions over the player throughout the summer as they seek to add more attacking quality to Andoni Iraola’s forward line.

It is understood negotiations have been held up by a difference in valuation, with PSG remaining firm on an asking price of around £145m.

The Athletic reported last week that Liverpool were close to shifting their focus towards alternative targets.

But there is fresh encouragement for the Reds after PSG confirmed the arrival of Godts in a transfer that could be worth up to £47m.

The young winger has joined from Ajax on a five-year contract, and his arrival is expected to move Barcola closer to an exit.

Barcola is already said to be keen to leave the club in search of more regular first-team football, something that is difficult to secure at PSG while he remains behind players such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in the pecking order.

The addition of the highly-rated Godts, who registered an outstanding 30 goal contributions in 34 Eredivisie appearances last season, creates even more competition for Barcola, and Liverpool are believed to be increasingly confident of bringing him to Anfield.

According to reports in France, Godts’ move to PSG is expected to speed up Barcola’s departure to Liverpool, with the Reds set to make a fresh offer next week.

That will come as a blow to Arsenal, who are also understood to be eager to sign the Frenchman. Some reports indicate, however, that they are not prepared to match PSG’s steep valuation.

Barcola was an unused substitute as PSG defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this week. Another summer recruit, Maghnes Akliouche, started ahead of him.

If the move is completed, Barcola would become the second winger to join Liverpool this summer after Victor Munoz.

Iraola will be hoping for a busy finish to the transfer window, with his thin squad in need of greater depth in several areas, most notably in defence.