Bradley Barcola is one of Arsenal’s top summer transfer targets, but his performance versus Paraguay proved why Mikel Arteta should approach with caution.
France just about got the job done against Paraguay as they won 1-0 in a feisty encounter against the South American side.
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Kylian Mbappe netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Didier Deschamps’ team advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
France’s attack struggled against a resolute Paraguayan team; however, it was Barcola who was swiftly replaced by Desire Doue.
Bradley Barcola struggles vs Paraguay’s low block
Bradley Barcola has just highlighted why, despite being a young, elite talent, Arsenal must approach a deal for the attacker with caution.
The 23-year-old was hooked just after the hour mark as France continued to push for the opening goal in the match.
Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Barcola at the World Cup, but they will not have been too impressed by the youngster in Philadelphia.
Barcola desperately tried to make things happen from the left wing, as he managed 30 touches in total, but his effort proved fruitless.
It was a tough evening for the winger, who had four unsuccessful touches, lost possession ten times, and failed to have a single shot on target.
Paraguay made it very tough for France’s whole attack on Sunday, but Barcola particularly seemed to struggle with their low block.
The issue is, 90 per cent of teams which Arsenal face now will play a similar way, and the Gunners need a player from the left who is going to have an answer.
Unfortunately, Barcola really seemed to struggle against a team that sat deep and frustrated the life out of his team.
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Currently, Arsenal are working on both Morgan Rogers and Barcola, with Andrea Berta lining up the two deals and then deciding which one to pursue.
Barcola could be open to living in London, which might just hand them the advantage over Liverpool in a deal for the Frenchman.
But with Mikel Arteta showing how much he likes an English core of players, Rogers could end up being his first choice.
PSG value Barcola at over £116 million, highlighting why the Gunners need to make sure he is right for them before splashing the cash.
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