There has been some shock reports in the media which have claimed that Arsenal are the latest Premier League club to enquire over the potential signing of Bradley Barcola this January transfer window, and he could replace Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli according to reporter Iomie Stanley.
Barcola, who has been described as ‘one of the best wingers in the world’, was a key member of the PSG squad that won the treble last season, but this season he has found regular game time more difficult to come by, as Luis Enrique has preferred to use Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his front three
That has made the player desire a move away from the French capital with a host of clubs said to be interested in his services including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich all interested in a move.
According to TEAMtalk, ARSENAL are one of the many clubs to have held initial talks with intermediaries over Barcola to see if they can yet win the crowded race for his signature, but it is thought that any move for the 23-year-old will occur in the summer.
Stanley told icfootballnews: ‘Barcola provides pace, creativity and direct goal threat from wide positions, and would add another dimension to Arsenal’s front line. But with Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup already competitive, signing the French international would likely mean restructuring the current frontline to accommodate his profile.
‘The most talked-about departure in relation to Barcola’s arrival would be Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli has been Arsenal’s first-choice left winger for several seasons, but there’s a sense among some pundits and scouts that Arsenal are open to upgrading that role with someone offering a slightly different dynamic on the left flank.
‘Sources have reported that ARSENAL have considered “offering him” as a player to be replaced as they target “superstar” wingers, with Barcola mentioned specifically as someone who could replace Martinelli’s offensive output.
‘If Barcola were to arrive, Martinelli — a high-profile winger in his own right — could be the one most likely to make way, either through a sale or an exchange/part-swap structure.
‘Even if Martinelli stayed, Barcola’s arrival would shake up Arsenal’s wing hierarchy:
‘Leandro Trossard has been used as a wide forward/attacking option, and adding Barcola might push the Belgian further down the pecking order — or make him more expendable in the transfer market.
‘Arteta’s system underlines rotation and fluidity — meaning someone might have to sacrifice game time for Barcola to slot in as a regular starter.
‘Signing Barcola would give Arteta another high-quality option on the left — but potentially at the expense of the Brazilian’s starting role. Arsenal might view Barcola as an upgrade in certain tactical situations, especially given his direct pace and goal-creating ability.
‘Barcola’s arrival would strengthen Arsenal’s wing options, but it would also require clear decisions on who to sacrifice to maintain tactical balance and keep the squad fresh. With PSG currently reluctant to sell and Barcola’s own long-term contract situation unresolved, any move is still speculative — but ARSENAL appear ready to explore it.’
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