Arsenal’s search for a new attacker has taken Andrea Berta across Europe.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of forwards in recent months, and it is still far from clear who will eventually arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
What is clear, however, is that Berta is keeping plenty of options alive. Some of those targets are relatively new, while others have been on Arsenal’s radar for well over a year.
One pursuit – PSG’s Bradley Barcola – even resulted in a blunt warning, but Berta hasn’t stopped.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Andrea Berta wants to sign Bradley Barcola for Arsenal despite ‘hands-off’ warning last year
Barcola has been admired by Arsenal for a long time.
The French winger has developed into one of the most exciting attacking players in Europe and has played a key role in PSG’s rise to the top of the continental game.
Arsenal’s interest is therefore easy to understand.
According to Football Transfers, Berta first made contact over a potential move for Barcola last summer and explored what a deal might look like.
The response from PSG was emphatic.
The Ligue 1 giants informed Arsenal that Barcola was viewed as a central part of their project and was simply not for sale. The report claims that Berta was given a ‘hands-off’ warning.
That, however, has not stopped him from trying.
It has been revealed that Berta has remained in contact with Barcola’s representative, Moussa Sissoko, throughout the past year and has made it clear that Arsenal would be ready to move if PSG’s stance ever changes.
For now, the French champions continue to insist that Barcola is not available.
However, Arsenal are determined to stay in the conversation should an opportunity suddenly emerge.
Which left winger would you most like to see Andrea Berta prioritise in 2026?
Bradley Barcola has his flaws, but he is worth the risk
No player is perfect, and Barcola certainly has areas of his game that still need refining.
The Frenchman’s decision-making can be frustrating at times, and there are occasions when he wastes excellent chances that elite attackers really should be converting. That is one of the reasons why PSG supporters have occasionally been critical of him despite his obvious talent.
The key thing Arsenal must remember is that Barcola is only 23 years old. For a player of that age, inconsistency in the final third is hardly unusual.
What matters more is the toolkit he possesses.
Barcola is quick, technically gifted, fearless in one-v-one situations and capable of creating chances for both himself and his teammates. Those are qualities that cannot easily be taught.
That is why the Premier League champions should be willing to take the gamble if the opportunity arises. Barcola may not be the finished article yet, but his ceiling is enormous.
Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, there is every chance he could develop into one of the best wide attackers in world football.
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