Arsenal’s head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal is leaving the club after two years, informed in a meeting last week in the aftermath of the Champions League final loss to Paris St-Germain. The decision has come unexpectedly, though some staff had been aware of uncertainty over his future in recent weeks. Iqbal, highly respected throughout football, previously worked at Crystal Palace and Liverpool. He arrived at the Emirates in 2024, replacing Gary O’Driscoll, who left to join Manchester United. The reasons for his departure are unclear, but Arsenal’s squad sustained a number of key injuries throughout the season. The process of replacing him is already underway.
While Arsenal seek a new medical chief, the club have also been put on red alert by reports that PSG forward Bradley Barcola is free to leave. The French international, 23, has fallen behind Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order in Paris. According to French outlet L’Equipe, Barcola is into the final two years of his deal, but negotiations over an extension were shelved during the latter stages of the season as PSG concentrated on their successful Champions League defence. Even before that pause, little headway had been made, and discussions remain at an impasse. PSG are now open to entertaining offers, with Liverpool and Arsenal both thought to be monitoring developments.
“Arsenal's head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal leaves after two years; club also linked with PSG's Bradley Barcola.”
Manager Luis Enrique is understood to favour retaining Barcola, but the club’s stance has shifted. Enrique said last year: “Bradley Barcola’s future? I have no doubt he’ll remain our player. We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he’s one of those young players we’ve been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years.” Despite those words, the club are now willing to sell.
Arsenal, after ending their wait to return to the summit of English football, are not looking to stand still. A forward has been outlined as a priority, with other targets including Eli Junior Kroupi, Julian Alvarez and Nico Williams – though Kvaratskhelia is said to be untouchable. The Guardian reported last month that the Premier League-winning tactician will be rewarded with a contract extension and keys to continue improving the squad. While it is unlikely Arsenal will spend a similar outlay as last summer, Arteta will be well-backed in the window. Liverpool, meanwhile, are actively seeking to bolster their wide options following Mohamed Salah’s exit and amid their attacking difficulties this campaign.