Emmanuel Petit backs Liverpool to sign Barcola over Arsenal
Emmanuel Petit believes Liverpool, not Arsenal, are the club who truly need Bradley Barcola – and he expects the Merseysiders to win the race for the PSG winger despite the Premier League champions circling.
Both English giants are in the market for a wide forward before the window shuts on September 1. Barcola, one of PSG’s brightest attacking talents and already a France international, sits high on each club’s list, with any deal likely to surge beyond £100million and PSG holding out for around £130m (€151m).
Liverpool have been in position for some time. The 23-year-old is poised to leave Paris after talks over a new contract stalled, and the Anfield hierarchy have already thrashed out personal terms with the player. The stand-off lies elsewhere: FSG have so far refused to meet PSG’s asking price.
Arsenal, by contrast, have arrived late to the chase. Their interest has grown after Leandro Trossard’s departure and with Gabriel Martinelli also expected to move on. On paper, that opens a lane for another left-sided attacker. In reality, Petit sees a different picture.
Petit: Liverpool need Barcola more than Arsenal
The former Arsenal midfielder, speaking to Grosvenor Sport, pointed straight at Mikel Arteta’s newest attacking weapon as a key reason Barcola should look elsewhere.
“Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,” Petit said.
“With Martinelli leaving and Trossard no longer at the club, they likely need another option on the left side.
“If they were to bring in Barcola, it would be difficult for both players to secure a spot in the starting eleven.”
That logjam, in Petit's eyes, tilts the scales towards Anfield.
“That said, I am a huge fan of Barcola. I believe Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal.
“They definitely need to strengthen their wide areas, particularly on the left flank, they have had problems there since the start of last season.”
For Andoni Iraola, who has inherited a squad reshaped by recent departures and tactical shifts, Barcola would be more than a luxury signing. He would be a statement that Liverpool intend to rebuild their wide threat around a new generation.
Arsenal, by contrast, already have Tzolis exploding out of the blocks after his summer move from Club Brugge. The Greek forward’s sharp start, capped by a standout display in the Community Shield, has reduced the urgency in north London even as the squad turns over on that left side.
Doubts over Liverpool’s top-four credentials
Even so, Petit is not convinced that winning the battle for Barcola would fix Liverpool’s wider issues. He sees holes all over Iraola’s squad and questions whether the Spaniard can bridge the gap at the top in his first season.
“I am still waiting to see Liverpool’s full intent in the transfer market, as they currently appear to be missing key players,” the Frenchman said.
“They have a new manager in Iraola, and adjusting to the scale of Liverpool after Bournemouth is a big transition.
“Liverpool need results immediately.”
That urgency shapes Petit's prediction for the season’s climax. He does not place Liverpool among the favourites to return to the Champions League spots.
“Ultimately, I see the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Liverpool may find it tough again this year.”
So the picture is stark. Petit expects Liverpool to push harder and go further than Arsenal for Barcola, convinced the winger answers a glaring need on Iraola’s left flank. But even if the Reds land one of Europe’s most coveted wide men, the question lingers: will it be enough to drag them back into the Premier League’s elite pack?
