Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has urged the Gunners to hijack Liverpool's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, as the north London club looks to build on their Premier League title triumph.
Barcola at the centre of a transfer saga
The 23-year-old France international is the focus of one of the summer's biggest transfer stories, with Liverpool keen to secure his signature. The Reds invested heavily last summer in the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, but a disappointing season followed, culminating in a fifth-place finish and the dismissal of manager Arne Slot.
With Andoni Iraola now at the helm and Mohamed Salah departing, Liverpool are ready to spend big once more, with Barcola topping their wishlist. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that club-to-club discussions have begun between Liverpool and PSG, although a significant gap remains between their valuations.
Frimpong's plea to Arsenal
Speaking to Ladbrokes, Frimpong, 34, said: 'Mikel [Arteta] and the boys have finally got it over the line, which I'm very happy about. But they shouldn't just win it once and be satisfied with that. They have to keep on winning it now and dominate just like how Man United and Man City have in the past.'
He added: 'We've got the players, we've got a deep squad and hopefully this summer, the board are going to strengthen further, because I still think we need a couple of wingers and a proper number eight. I feel like Declan Rice is playing in a position which isn't natural to him, so we need a proper number eight alongside him.'
Guimaraes and Barcola as ideal signings
Arsenal are already closing in on a deal for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and Frimpong believes Barcola would be the perfect second addition. 'For me, when it comes to realistic signings this summer, with those positions in mind, I feel like Bruno Guimaraes is someone I'd love to see at Arsenal. And also Bradley Barcola… I think he would be very good for Arsenal. Barcola and Bruno Guimaraes would be a very good transfer window for Arsenal,' he said.
PSG's valuation and Liverpool's stance
Reports in France, from RMC Sport, suggest PSG are hoping for €170 million (£145 million) if they are to part with Barcola. That figure appears steep, but Romano's report indicates Liverpool are prepared to exceed €100 million (£85 million) for the winger.
Barcola is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, but Frimpong's comments add a new twist to the saga as Arsenal consider a potential hijack.
