Arsenal and Liverpool have been put on red alert following reports that Bradley Barcola is free to leave Paris Saint-Germain. The French international has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, with both the Gunners and Liverpool said to be monitoring his situation.
Barcola's PSG Future in Doubt
According to French media outlet L'Equipe, the 23-year-old could depart the French champions after falling behind Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order in Paris. Liverpool are actively seeking to bolster their wide options following Mohamed Salah's exit and amid their attacking difficulties this campaign, while Arsenal will reportedly look to strike while the iron is hot after ending their wait to return to the summit of English football.
The French publication reports that he is currently into the final two years of his deal but negotiations regarding an extension were shelved during the latter stages of the season as the club concentrated on their successful Champions League defence, though even prior to that pause, little headway had been achieved.
Contract Talks at an Impasse
L'Equipe now suggests that discussions remain at an impasse. Manager Luis Enrique is understood to favour retaining Barcola, yet the club are now open to entertaining offers for the wideman, with Liverpool and Arsenal both thought to be monitoring developments.
The Guardian reported last month that the Premier League-winning tactician will be rewarded for his success with a contract extension and keys to continue improving the squad. Arsenal are not looking to stand still and while it is unlikely that they will spend a similar outlay as last summer, the Spaniard will be well-backed in the window.
Forward Priority for Arsenal
A forward has been outlined as a priority with Eli Junior Kroupi reportedly a target, as well as Julian Alvarez and Kvaratskhelia - who is said to be untouchable for the Parisiens. However, Barcola is a candidate for a move, as well as highly-rated Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
The PSG head coach previously claimed that the forward was one for the future and one that he had invested a lot of hope in. Last year, he said that the winger was a player that he had been "banking on," reiterating his desire to keep the attacker.
Enrique's Confidence in Barcola
Enrique said: "Bradley Barcola's future? I have no doubt he'll remain our player. We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years."
Liverpool's Crucial Summer
Liverpool face a crucial summer as they get to grips with wholesale changes on Merseyside. As well as the departures of three key figures and influential members of the dressing room in the form of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, there is a new head coach at the helm. Iraola faces the pressure of making the step up to a bigger Premier League club, having had three successful seasons with Bournemouth. Now, the Basque tactician will need to contend with competing on four fronts with the added complication of competing in the Champions League and guiding the six-time winners to a seventh European crown.
