Liverpool has been warned it could face disappointment in its pursuit of PSG star Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola in action for France during the World Cup
Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool's top target this summer(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool has been warned it could be set for disappointment if Premier League rival Arsenal decides to enter the race for Bradley Barcola before the transfer deadline.
The Reds' need to recruit wingers is no secret following Luis Diaz's exit to Bayern Munich last summer and Mohamed Salah's recent departure as a free agent. While the club has recruited versatile forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna this summer, its lack of options out wide has been glaringly obvious throughout preseason.
Barcola was first linked with a move to Anfield 12 months ago after Diaz departed the club, but a move never transpired as the club's hierarchy instead focused its attention and funds on the striker position, with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak both signed last summer. However, wide areas have been the focus of attention throughout the window so far, but it appears Liverpool is no closer to landing its top target in Barcola as negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain drag into the final weeks before the deadline.
The gulf between PSG's asking price and what Liverpool is prepared to pay is rumored to remain substantial. It has been widely reported the French club is seeking a staggering fee in the region of £145 million ($196 million), which is significantly higher than Liverpool's rumored valuation.
Of course, a middle ground can still be found, but the longer negotiations drag on, the greater the risk of Liverpool missing out on its top target. Not only is the transfer deadline looming, but rival clubs could also sense an opportunity to pounce, including Premier League champion Arsenal.
Former Red Dietmar Hamann has suggested Liverpool may not be the favorite to sign the Frenchman if its rival formalizes its interest and enters the picture. "Can Liverpool beat Arsenal to Bradley Barcola? Potentially," the ex-midfielder told Andy’s Bet Club.
"Obviously Liverpool still have a big pull with the stadium, the fans, and the history of the club. It’s a question only he can answer.
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola reacts during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco
Bradley Barcola could leave Paris Saint-Germain in the final few weeks of the transfer window, with Liverpool keen on a move(Image: (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images))
"The only thing is, he’s been at a very successful club, he’s won the league pretty much every year and has won the Champions League twice in a row now. If he wants to win it a third time, he’ll want to win the league next season.
"He probably stands a better chance at Arsenal than he does at Liverpool next season."
Arsenal's links with Barcola this summer have been tentative at best, with the London club focused on securing a shock move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in recent weeks. However, hopes quickly faded when the Brazilian ultimately opted to extend his stay in the Spanish capital with a lengthy new contract.
As Gabriel Martinelli continues to be linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium, it's clear Liverpool must be wary of a potential hijacking. The Gunners do reportedly have a long-standing interest in Barcola, although there have been no concrete suggestions they are actively pursuing him at this stage.
Liverpool, meanwhile, faces a race against time with its first game of the Premier League season against Newcastle this weekend. The transfer deadline is on September 1, so the clock is ticking as the club scrambles to reinforce its forward line.