Arsenal have reservations about reigniting their interest in Bradley Barcola after Liverpool reportedly submitted their first bid for the Paris Saint-Germain winger. The Gunners are looking to strengthen the left side of Mikel Arteta’s attack ahead of the new Premier League season.
Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and had explored a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The north London club were ready to make the Brazilian the highest-paid player in Premier League history, but Vinicius has now opted to remain in the Spanish capital and sign a new contract with Madrid.
Arsenal's left-wing search continues
Despite missing out on a deal for Vinicius, Arsenal are still eager to sign a left winger this window. The Independent reports that Arsenal will consider turning their attention back to Barcola, who was a name on their shortlist earlier in the window.
The 23-year-old winger appears poised to leave PSG after informing the French club he will not be signing a new deal. Barcola, who is under contract until 2028, is seeking more regular minutes after falling down the pecking order under Luis Enrique last season.
Liverpool lead the race for Barcola
Arsenal still hold an interest in Barcola, but the Gunners are not willing to meet PSG’s £130million asking price for the French international. Furthermore, it is thought that the Gunners would merely be playing catch-up with Liverpool, who are far closer to agreeing personal terms with Barcola.
The Reds are also seeking to bolster their options in wide forward areas, particularly after Mohamed Salah’s exit on a free transfer at the end of last season. A report in French outlet L’Equipe says Liverpool will make an opening offer of €115million (£98.5m) to PSG for Barcola. That bid falls below PSG’s asking price and is expected to be rejected by the French club, but it serves to solidify Liverpool’s interest in signing the winger.
Carragher's warning on Barcola
Speaking recently, Jamie Carragher urged his former club to prioritise signing a natural right winger over Barcola, who predominantly plays on the left wing. ‘He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that – I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool,’ Carragher told Sky Sports. ‘But he’s a left winger for me.
‘Liverpool’s big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is replacing Mo Salah, a right winger. And I don’t think Liverpool have got anybody really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing. They probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who could play on the left-hand side comfortably.
‘Now, I’m not saying any of those players are better than Barcola. But in terms of the balance of the squad, it’s not the position Liverpool need right now. They need a right winger. But if you’re saying to me, do I want Barcola to come and Liverpool are going to sign a right winger as well? I’ll be absolutely delighted because players would have to move on. Of course they would. But right now, I felt this summer would be about replacing Mo Salah. Barcola doesn’t replace Mo Salah.’
