Arsenal Urged to Beat Liverpool in Race for PSG Forward Barcola
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has publicly advised the club to make a bold move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola this summer, positioning him as an upgrade over current winger Gabriel Martinelli. This recommendation comes as Arsenal face potential departures in their attacking lineup, with Martinelli and Leandro Trossard linked to moves away.
Barcola's Rising Profile and Performance
Bradley Barcola, the 23-year-old French international, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. His recent standout moment came in the Champions League, where he netted the opening goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, helping PSG secure an 8-2 aggregate victory. Since his £44 million transfer to PSG in 2023, Barcola has continued to develop, attracting interest from top clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Gallas, speaking to BOYLE Sports, emphasized Barcola's potential fit at Arsenal. "Would I prefer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola for Arsenal? Barcola," he stated. "When you've got a striker like Viktor Gyokeres, you need players to give him the ball to score the goals." He highlighted concerns over Arsenal's current style, suggesting that changes are needed to maximize Gyokeres' effectiveness, as the striker has not reached the expected goal tally this season.
Concerns Over Current Arsenal Attackers
Gallas expressed doubts about Gabriel Martinelli's current form, noting, "I don't know what has happened to Gabriel Martinelli, he's just not what he was." He also described Leandro Trossard as a good squad player but indicated that Arsenal requires something more dynamic on the left wing. This critique aligns with earlier reports linking both players to potential exits before the 2025/26 campaign.
In his analysis, Gallas pointed out that Arsenal's midfield often retains possession instead of quickly feeding Gyokeres, which hampers the striker's ability to score. "Gyokeres has scored goals but he hasn't scored enough goals so he has to reach a minimum 20 goals next season," Gallas added, suggesting that Barcola could help address this issue by providing better service.
Competition and Contract Developments
Arsenal's pursuit of Barcola faces significant competition. According to reports from GOAL, PSG is preparing a new contract offer for Barcola, which would extend his deal to 2030 and include a substantial salary increase. This move aims to secure his long-term future at the Parc des Princes, potentially complicating any transfer plans.
Additionally, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also monitoring Barcola's situation, adding to the transfer battle. Barcola himself has expressed satisfaction with his performances, saying after his goal against Chelsea, "I was happy, I work to score in the Champions League, that goal feels good, I am very happy."
Broader Implications for Arsenal
This transfer speculation occurs amid broader changes at Arsenal, including reports that the club is considering offloading an 11-goal player with bids starting at £50 million. Gallas' advice underscores a strategic shift needed in Arsenal's attack, as they aim to compete at the highest levels domestically and in Europe.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal's decision on whether to pursue Barcola could define their offensive strategy for the upcoming season, especially if key players like Martinelli depart. The club's ability to outmaneuver rivals like Liverpool will be crucial in securing top talent.
