Liverpool favorites to sign Bradley Barcola but face top-four challenge
Emmanuel Petit believes Liverpool, not Arsenal, will land Bradley Barcola – and says the French winger is exactly what Andoni Iraola’s side desperately need, even if it may not be enough to drag them back into the top four.
The former Arsenal midfielder, speaking as both a fan and a hard-nosed analyst, expects a transfer tug-of-war between two clubs who both want a new wide forward before the window shuts on September 1. The name at the centre of it: PSG and France livewire Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave the back-to-back Champions League winners after talks over a new deal stalled, and the market around him has exploded. PSG are holding out for around £130million (€151m), a figure inflated by the eye-watering sums Manchester City and Chelsea have paid for Elliott Anderson and Morgan Rogers this summer.
Liverpool have been in the race longest and remain firmly in the frame. Barcola is understood to be keen on Anfield, and personal terms are already in place. The sticking point is FSG, who are so far unwilling to meet PSG’s asking price.
Arsenal have arrived late to the chase. Having already offloaded Leandro Trossard and preparing to part with Gabriel Martinelli, they are exploring options on the left, with Barcola one of the most attractive on the market.
Petit, though, sees a clear hierarchy in terms of who needs him more.
‘Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal’
“Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,” Petit told Grosvenor Sport, pointing to the Greek winger’s electric start after his move from Club Brugge.
“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.
“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 Petit’s argument. Arsenal, in his eyes, already have a left-sided livewire in Tzolis who is staking a claim. Liverpool, by contrast, look light and unbalanced in the wide areas, especially on that left side where form and fitness have fluctuated for over a year.
The pressure at Anfield, he suggests, is very different.
Iraola’s uphill climb
Even if Liverpool do push the boat out and beat Arsenal to Barcola, Petit still sees a season of strain ahead for Iraola.
The Spaniard has swapped Bournemouth for one of the most scrutinised jobs in world football after Arne Slot’s exit at the end of last season. The step up, Petit warns, is huge – and the squad, as he sees it, is not yet ready for the demands of a top-four assault.
“I am still waiting to see Liverpool’s full intent in the transfer market, as they currently appear to be missing key players,” the Frenchman 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.
“Ultimately, I see the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Liverpool may find it tough again this year.”
It’s a stark prediction. Arsenal, Chelsea, City, United – all in his projected Champions League spots. Liverpool on the outside, looking in.
That’s why the Barcola pursuit carries more weight than just another big-money signing. It’s a test of intent, a statement about whether Liverpool are prepared to match the market and arm Iraola properly for a season that will not wait for him to settle.
Reports suggest the club are also exploring a move for a highly rated Chile attacker as they search for extra firepower. The targets are there. The needs are obvious.
Now the question is simple: will Liverpool pay the price – in every sense – to get back where they believe they belong?
