Emmanuel Petit has warned Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola that a move to Arsenal would be complicated due to competition for places, while insisting Liverpool need the France international more urgently. The 22-year-old is expected to leave PSG after contract negotiations stalled, with Liverpool long considered the frontrunners and personal terms broadly agreed. However, the Reds are reluctant to meet the French club's £130 million asking price, which has been influenced by the fees Chelsea and Manchester City paid this summer for Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson.
Petit advises Barcola on Premier League move
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Petit said Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, who made a big impression in the Community Shield. With Martinelli leaving and Trossard no longer at the club, Arsenal likely need another option on the left side, but Petit believes bringing in Barcola would make it difficult for both players to secure a starting spot.
“I am a huge fan of Barcola. I believe Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal,” Petit said. “They definitely need to strengthen their wide areas, particularly on the left flank, they have had problems there since the start of last season.”
Petit predicts top four battle
Even if Liverpool sign Barcola, Petit believes new manager Andoni Iraola faces an uphill task breaking into the top four in his first season after leaving Bournemouth. Petit outlined his top four predictions: “Chelsea are a huge club with so many talented players who are surely tired of recent frustrating seasons. They won the Club World Cup and the Conference League but those trophies do not meet the standard expected of Chelsea. They must return to a Champions League spot and fight for the title. The fact that they are not competing in European competitions is a huge factor. Midweek matches demand energy and make it difficult to maintain a consistent fight in the Premier League just three days later. This lack of European football will be a big advantage for Chelsea this season. So they will be in the top three with Arsenal and Man City.”
Petit also addressed Aston Villa's chances: “Aston Villa, they have lost some very important players. Unai Emery has performed miracles there, and his work has transformed the club by bringing stability to their results. However, balancing the Premier League with European football this season will be a challenge. I am not certain Aston Villa will qualify for the Champions League again, but I would definitely include Chelsea and Manchester City as contenders. The fourth spot is harder to predict.”
Manchester United and Liverpool in the mix
Petit believes the fourth spot will be a battle between Manchester United and Liverpool. He noted Liverpool's new manager Iraola faces a big transition from Bournemouth, and Liverpool need results immediately. On Manchester United, Petit said: “Manchester United has shown confidence in Michael Carrick and I expect them to be in the mix. But, the demands of a Champions League return and the necessary squad rotation suggest they are still missing a few players. Manchester United need to look at their defense. They concede too many goals and have suffered so many injuries, particularly among central defenders. It is difficult to predict their first-choice back four given how many players were sidelined last season.”
Petit ultimately sees the top four as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United, adding that Liverpool may find it tough again this year.
