Arsenal can fund Haaland but Euro giants hold the pole position

Arsenal are desperate for a proven striker after a summer spent chasing Julian Alvarez, and they possess the finances to launch a colossal bid for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Yet Graeme Bailey told The TEAMtalk podcast that a LaLiga giant, most likely Barcelona, is already in pole position for the Norway international.

Financial muscle and transfer targets

According to Bailey, Arsenal’s budget allows them to meet any price tag for Haaland, and the club’s recent interest in a £58million Manchester United star underlines their willingness to spend. He added that the Gunners have been “looking for a striker” all summer, which aligns with their need to replace the departed Julian Alvarez.

Barcelona’s advantage and other suitors

Bailey explained that Haaland “wants to go to Spain”, naming Real Madrid and Barcelona as the primary destinations, but suggesting Barcelona is the “ready‑made” option. Paris Saint‑Germain have also been mentioned by French media as potential suitors, while Liverpool were jokingly cited by former player Jamie Carragher as a free‑transfer possibility if City’s contracts were terminated.

Legal commentator Paul Gilroy noted that City players could terminate their contracts if they were “seriously lied to” by the club, a scenario that could see Liverpool sign Haaland for free, though Gilroy called the outcome “unlikely”.

City’s punishment sparks Haaland chase from Leeds to Madrid, Arsenal and Munich

Manchester City face severe sanctions after being found guilty of 114 of the 115 Premier League charges against them. The club have appealed the verdict, but rival Premier League clubs are pushing for sanctions this season, with relegation to the Championship mentioned as a possible punishment.

Should City be relegated, virtually all of the world’s biggest clubs would likely make contact for Haaland, according to Bailey’s assessment. He also mentioned that the transfer timeline points to 2027 as a “down year” between major international tournaments, which could influence Haaland’s move.

Arsenal and Aston Villa battle for Real Madrid prodigy Endrick

Haaland’s on‑field record this season includes seven goals in seven matches across competitions, confirming his status as one of the Premier League’s most feared centre‑forwards. The 26‑year‑old, standing at 1.95m, has a contract that runs until the summer of 2034, but City could lose him as early as January or next summer if their appeal fails.