Emmanuel Petit backs Liverpool over Arsenal for Barcola transfer
Emmanuel Petit believes Liverpool, not Arsenal, are the club who truly need Bradley Barcola – and he expects the Merseysiders to win what could be one of the defining transfer battles of the summer.
The former Arsenal midfielder sees a deal for the PSG and France winger soaring well beyond £100million, with the French champions holding out for around £130m as the market inflates around elite wide players.
Liverpool and Arsenal collide over Barcola
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are still hunting a new winger before the window closes on September 1, and Barcola has emerged as the shared target tying the two rivals together.
Liverpool have been in the race longest. The 23-year-old is poised to leave the back-to-back Champions League winners after talks over a new contract stalled, and he is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Personal terms are already in place.
The sticking point is the fee. FSG are reluctant to bow to PSG’s £130m valuation, a price driven upwards by the sums Manchester City and Chelsea have paid for Elliott Anderson and Morgan Rogers this summer.
Arsenal have arrived later at the table. Mikel Arteta’s side only truly stepped up their interest after offloading Leandro Trossard and preparing to part ways with Gabriel Martinelli, a reshaping of their left flank that has opened the door for another major attacking signing.
Petit, though, sees the picture differently. For him, Liverpool’s need is greater – and Barcola’s path clearer.
Petit: Barcola fits Liverpool more than Arsenal
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Petit highlighted the impact of Christos Tzolis at Arsenal as a key reason why Barcola might be better off heading north to Merseyside.
“Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,” Petit said.
“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.”
In Petit's eyes, Arsenal already have a new left-sided spark in Tzolis. Liverpool, by contrast, are still searching for a fresh threat out wide, especially with the left flank an issue since early last season. That imbalance, he feels, should tilt Barcola’s decision towards Anfield.
Doubts over Liverpool’s top-four credentials
Even if Liverpool do land Barcola, Petit is not convinced that will be enough to drag them back into the Champions League places at the first time of asking under Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard swapped Bournemouth for Liverpool after Arne Slot’s departure at the end of last season, a leap in expectation and scrutiny that Petit believes will test him immediately.
“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 said.
“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.”
It is a stark assessment. In Petit's projected table, Liverpool are the big name left standing outside the Champions League door, even if Barcola arrives as a marquee signing.
Liverpool’s recruitment drive is not over. A fresh report claims the club are also pushing for a highly rated Chile attacker as Iraola looks to reshape his forward line.
Barcola, a Chilean wildcard, a new manager under pressure, and a fanbase demanding a swift return to the elite – Liverpool’s summer is building towards a crunch point.
