Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has been one of the stories to watch throughout the summer, with the Reds continuing to be linked with the highly-rated attacker as they look to strengthen their forward line.
It is well documented that Liverpool admire the French international and have been keeping a close eye on the situation.
While any move remain complicated given his importance to Paris Saint-Germain and their reluctance to sell, Liverpool have continued to monitor developments should an opportunity present itself.
However, the latest comments surrounding Barcola’a future will not make encouraging reading for the Reds.
Arsenal have also been credited with a strong interest in the winger, and with both Premier League clubs looking to add elite attacking quality this summer, any indication over the player’s preferred destination is likely to prove significant.
Addressing the race for Barcola’s signature, Lewis Steele speaking to Anfield Index, suggested that the attacker could favour a move to Arsenal over Liverpool.
Steele said: “He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal. He’s probably looking at Arteta, he might want to live in the capital city in London.”
“Liverpool aren’t as glamorous an option as they may have been 12 months ago.”
Those remarks represent a potentially worrying development from Liverpool’s perspective.
While there is still no indication that Barcola has made a final decision on his future, with the player recently declaring that all his focus is on the World Cup, the suggestion that Arsenal could currently hold an advantage adds another layer of intrigue to what is already expected to be one of the most competitive transfer sagas of the window.
Liverpool remain ambitious in the market and have shown a willingness to compete for some of Europe’s brightest young talents.
The Reds beat Newcastle United to highly rated Spanish youngster Victor Munoz, who has just come off the back of a hugely impressive season with Osasuana.
Barcola fits the profile of a winger that the Reds can rely on for years to come, given the sizeable hole that Mohamed Slaah has left behind following his departure from the club this summer.
His ability to operate across the frontline makes him even more of an attractive option over other players available this summer.
As it stands, Liverpool may have work to do if they are to convince the Frenchman that Anfield is the right destination.
With Arsenal also pushing hard and the player now reportedly leaning towards Mikel Arteta’s project, Liverpool’s hopes of securing one of their marquee attacking targets could face significant test.