Arsenal transfer target Bradley Barcola has been hugely impressive at the World Cup.
The PSG winger was outstanding as France beat Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, getting on the scoresheet after latching onto a brilliant through ball from Michael Olise and finishing with power.
He will look to continue that form when France face Paraguay in the round of 16, where Arsenal will also have a close eye on midfield target Manu Kone, who is also expected to start.
The Premier League champions are very keen on bringing Barcola to north London, but face competition from Liverpool.
But the latest update indicates should Arsenal pursue the winger, it’s them who have the advantage.
Liverpool insider admits Arsenal have the edge for Bradley Barcola
Mail Sport’s Merseyside correspondent Lewis Steele, speaking to Anfield Index, discussed Liverpool’s chances of signing Barcola. “It’s going to be very, very hard for Liverpool to get Barcola,” he said.
“He’s probably looking at Arteta. He might want to live in the capital city of London. Liverpool aren’t as glamorous an option as they may have been 12 months ago.”
Of course, it’s hardly a revelation that the Frenchman would prefer to live in London than Liverpool, but Arsenal have the added leverage of being Premier League champions.
But it’s still a complicated one, and there’s a lot of ground to make up.
🤔 PICK ONE: Would you rather Arsenal signed Bradley Barcola or Morgan Rogers this summer?
David Ornstein reports that PSG view Barcola as not for sale, and selling Goncalo Ramos to Milan for €74million has reduced any financial pressure on the Parisians to let him go.
Barcola has stalled on signing a new deal, however, and is pushing for more starts, which could eventually force PSG’s hand if the right offer arrives.
Liverpool have shown their hand in their failed pursuit of Yan Diomande. PSG know they have money to spend and a left wing position to fill.
And with two Premier League clubs with deep pockets competing for the same player, Barcola won’t be cheap.
Morgan Rogers is said to be Mikel Arteta’s priority target in attack, but Aston Villa’s £130million price tag, inflated by Manchester City’s deal for Elliot Anderson, makes that move look increasingly difficult at this stage.
If a move for Rogers does not materialise, Barcola would become the main pursuit. And with Liverpool potentially fading from the race, Arsenal’s path to signing him looks a little clearer than it did a week ago.
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