Bradley Barcola was one of the best players on the pitch as France beat Sweden 3-0 in the World Cup Round of 32 on Saturday.
Starting on the left alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and an unplayable Michael Olise, Barcola was direct and a constant threat.
He scored France’s second goal in fine fashion, latching onto a superb through ball from Olise and finishing with power. It was undoubtedly his best of the tournament so far.
Arsenal had scouts in attendance, and having seen that display, it is not hard to understand why the Gunners are interested.
🤔 PICK ONE: Would you rather Arsenal signed Bradley Barcola or Morgan Rogers this summer?
Morgan Rogers remains Mikel Arteta’s top target
According to transfer insider Alex Crook, all signs still point to Morgan Rogers being Mikel Arteta’s primary target.
But Crook also added what could happen if that deal does not materialise.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said, “Keep an eye on Arsenal on this one as well. We know they’re all in on Morgan Rogers but if that deal didn’t go through, I’d expect Barcola to become a top target for the Premier League champions as well.”
Fabrizio Romano has provided a similar update too. “Bradley Barcola’s future, not decided yet as new deal talks have been on stand-by for one year.
“Liverpool are very keen and Arsenal have his name on list as alternative to top target Rogers. PSG could let him go but only in case of big proposal.”
The biggest stumbling block, as ever, is the fee. Crook reports that it would take a bid “well in excess of £120million” to land Barcola.
PSG’s stance, meanwhile, is that they will only sanction a sale if they can first land Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Diomande has already driven Barcola’s price up, and with both Premier League clubs in the picture for the Frenchman, that figure is unlikely to come down.
Arsenal may have to overpay for either target
Right now, both options are looking increasingly expensive.
Arsenal fans reacted to Barcola’s Sweden performance with near-unanimous demand that he be signed, but PSG’s valuation is a massive obstacle.
Rogers, meanwhile, is valued by Aston Villa at £130million, a figure inflated by Manchester City’s £116million deal for Elliot Anderson, which Villa are now using as a market reference point.
Arsenal and Arteta want Rogers first, but if that can’t happen, Barcola is the top alternative.
But with both targets commanding fees that would break Arsenal’s transfer record, Andrea Berta has his work cut out for him.
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