Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal to beat Liverpool for FIFA World Cup star
Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal to beat Liverpool for FIFA World Cup star: Source:Getty
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged the club to beat Liverpool for the signature of 2026 FIFA World Cup star Bradley Barcola. The France international made an impressive debut in the FIFA World Cup, scoring a crucial goal in Les Bleus' 3-1 win against Senegal.
Barcola's future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been subject to speculation in recent weeks. It has been reported that the 23-year-old is keen on a move away from Parc des Princes in search of regular playing time.
Barcola made 49 appearances across competitions for Luis Enrique's side last season and scored 13 goals and provided seven assists. However, Enrique fancied a front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele in big games.
It has been claimed that Barcola wants to move to a club where he can become an undisputed starter week in week out. He has no shortage of suitors for his services and Premier League duo Liverpool and Arsenal have both been strongly linked with him.
As reported by Metro, Mikel Arteta is desperate to add more quality to his Premier League-winning side and wants Barcola. He has reportedly urged the board to do everything they can to beat Liverpool for his signature.
Barcola joined PSG in the summer of 2023 from their domestic rivals Lyon in a deal worth reported €45 million. He has so far made 152 appearances for the French capital club scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists.
Arsenal have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as natural options on the left flank. The former is not a natural goalscorer while the latter is 31 now and has been linked with a move away.
Arsenal and Liverpool target opens up on interest following his sensational performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Morocco sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has opened up on his future following his exceptional FIFA World Cup debut. The Liverpool and Arsenal target impressed in the middle of the park as Morocco secured a 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Bouaddi, who plies his trade for Lille, has a host of clubs interested in his signature, including Liverpool and Arsenal. The 18-year-old has opened up on speculation surrounding his future, insisting he is fully focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the moment. He said, as quoted by David Ornstein on X:
“I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I’m only focused on the WC and we will try to give everything to do our best."
Bouaddi came through the youth ranks of Lille and has already made 96 senior appearances for Les Dogues till date. He is capable of playing either as a number six or a number eight and boasts exceptional technical ability.