Emmanuel Petit Predicts Liverpool to Win Barcola Battle
Emmanuel Petit sees the tug-of-war for Bradley Barcola ending one way – in Liverpool’s favour – even if the price tag crashes through the £100million barrier.
The Arsenal great believes the PSG winger is far more of a necessity at Anfield than at his old club, with Liverpool and the Premier League champions both circling before the window shuts on September 1.
Barcola, 23, is expected to leave Paris this summer after talks over a new deal stalled. Liverpool have been in the frame the longest and, crucially, the France international is understood to be keen on the move, with personal terms already agreed. The sticking point is PSG’s demand: around £130m (€151m), a figure FSG have so far refused to meet.
Arsenal have entered the conversation later, sparked by a reshuffle in their forward line. Leandro Trossard has already gone and Gabriel Martinelli is also being lined up for an exit, opening a gap on the left that naturally points scouts towards Barcola.
But Petit, speaking to Grosvenor Sport, thinks the Gunners may already have their left-sided wildcard.
Tzolis impact changes Arsenal equation
“Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,” Petit said, highlighting the Greek forward’s immediate impact after his move from Club Brugge.
With Martinelli on his way out and Trossard gone, Arsenal do need bodies on that flank. Yet Petit can already see a selection logjam if Barcola walks through the door as well.
“With Martinelli leaving and Trossard no longer at the club, they likely need another option on the left side. If they were to bring in Barcola, it would be difficult for both players to secure a spot in the starting eleven.”
The admiration for Barcola is clear. Petit did not hold back on his rating of the PSG man.
“That said, I am a huge fan of Barcola. I believe Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal. They definitely need to strengthen their wide areas, particularly on the left flank, they have had problems there since the start of last season.”
That’s the crux of his argument. Arsenal, in his eyes, have already moved to refresh their attack. Liverpool have not. And with Andoni Iraola stepping into one of the most scrutinised jobs in Europe, Petit feels the club’s recruitment must now swing decisively towards the wings.
‘Liverpool need results immediately’
Even if Liverpool do land Barcola, Petit is not convinced it will be enough to restore them to the Premier League’s top tier.
The Frenchman sees too many gaps, too much uncertainty, and a manager still adjusting to a very different world after leaving Bournemouth for Anfield.
“I am still waiting to see Liverpool’s full intent in the transfer market, as they currently appear to be missing key players,” he said. “They have a new manager in Iraola, and adjusting to the scale of Liverpool after Bournemouth is a big transition. Liverpool need results immediately.”
It is a blunt assessment, and it leads him to an equally blunt prediction.
“Ultimately, I see the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Liverpool may find it tough again this year.”
So Petit expects Liverpool to win one race – for Barcola – while losing the one that really matters. The question now is whether FSG blink first on that £130m fee, or watch a player they “need much more” slip into a rival’s colours.
