Liverpool poised to win Barcola battle but face top-four challenge
Emmanuel Petit expects Liverpool to beat Arsenal to Bradley Barcola’s signature in one of the blockbuster deals of the window – yet still fall short of the Premier League’s top four.
The former Arsenal midfielder believes the PSG and France winger is tailor‑made for Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool, even as both English clubs circle a player valued at around £130million (€151m) by the French champions.
Liverpool and Arsenal go head to head for Barcola
Liverpool and Arsenal are both in the market for a new wide forward before the window closes on September 1, and Barcola has become the shared target at the top of their lists.
The 23‑year‑old is expected to leave PSG after talks over a new deal stalled. He has already been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and is understood to have agreed personal terms, but FSG are baulking at PSG’s asking price, which has been pushed up by the huge fees Manchester City and Chelsea paid for Elliott Anderson and Morgan Rogers earlier in the summer.
Arsenal have arrived later to the chase. Having already moved on Leandro Trossard and preparing to cash in on Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Arteta’s side are suddenly light on the left and have turned their attention towards Barcola as a potential high‑end replacement.
Petit, though, thinks the Frenchman’s path is clearer on Merseyside.
“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. “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.”
Liverpool’s long‑running interest, Barcola’s openness to the move and the agreement on personal terms all point in one direction. The sticking point is simple: will FSG blink first and meet PSG’s price?
‘Liverpool may find it tough again this year’
Even if they do, Petit does not see Barcola as a magic fix for Iraola’s first season in charge.
The Spaniard left Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot at the end of last season, stepping into one of the most pressurised roles in European football. Petit doubts the current squad is strong enough to muscle its way back into the Champions League places.
“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 added.
“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.”
Liverpool are still working on attacking reinforcements, with a fresh report claiming the club are also pursuing a highly rated Chile forward. The recruitment drive is clearly not finished.
Whether that ends with Barcola walking out at Anfield, or with Liverpool staring at another season outside the Champions League, will define how Iraola’s new era is judged.
