Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes Bradley Barcola’s asking price has skyrocketed after his performances for France at the World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger was on the scoresheet once again during the 3-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday evening, and speaking to Best Betting Sites UK, Smith said he would be a “great signing” for the Gunners, even if he does cost a fortune to snap up:
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“Well, I mean, Barcola’s price has probably doubled. He came on and scored a great goal yesterday, and he scored one on the opening day against Senegal. He’s doing really well. And that left side, if Martinelli goes or Trossard or both, hopefully not. ”
“I would keep Trossard. But Barcola is naturally left-sided. So that would seem, on the face of it, a really good fit. He’s a young lad who’s going to get better. So I think that’d be a great signing.”
Smith is right about Barcola’s price tag
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that PSG value the France international at a “much higher” number than the £116m that Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson.
That’s an eyewatering figure when you consider that Barcola is inside the final two years of his contract, and negotiations over an extension have stalled.
It could well be posturing on PSG’s part, and they may be just trying to jack up the price following his exploits at the World Cup.
Arsenal will have competition for the player
Liverpool are said to be prioritising a move for Barcola, having lost out to PSG for Yan Diomande, and it remains to be seen how the Gunners would react if their Premier League rivals make a formal bid.
There is a feeling that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains keen on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, despite reports that the 23-year-old could cost £130m. Whoever they decide to pursue, it looks like they will cost nine figures.