Emile Heskey has urged Liverpool to hijack Arsenal's move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, describing the potential transfer as a 'statement signing' for new manager Andoni Iraola. The former Liverpool striker believes the 23-year-old Frenchman would bring the pace and directness the club has lacked since Sadio Mané's departure.
Barcola's PSG struggles open door for move
Barcola was a key figure for PSG last season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions as the club won Ligue 1 and the Champions League. However, the winger is reportedly unhappy with reduced game time and is weighing up his future. He was named on the bench for PSG's Champions League final win over Arsenal and is not keen to extend his contract, which runs until 2028. Currently at the World Cup with France, Barcola's situation has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Heskey: Barcola would reignite Anfield excitement
Speaking to Boyle Sports, Heskey said: 'Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we’ve been missing on the left wing. We’ve been spoiled with Sadio Mané and Luis Díaz, and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again.' He added that prising Barcola away from PSG could be a 'statement signing' for Iraola, especially after Liverpool missed out on Yan Diomande to the Parisians.
PSG's valuation and competition
PSG are in no rush to sell Barcola despite his grievances, according to reports. The French champions have already sold Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan for €74 million (£63.7m) and plan to cash in on Lee Kang-in and Randal Kolo Muani this summer. Barcola is valued at more than the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson, making a deal potentially expensive. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also a keen admirer, with the Gunners considering a move alongside their interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Heskey suggests Rashford to Arsenal
In the same interview, Heskey urged Arsenal to explore a move for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford instead. 'I think Marcus Rashford needs to move on, I don’t think he’s staying at Manchester United,' Heskey said. 'I could see him thriving at Arsenal. I’m not a big fan of Gabriel Martinelli, I think Marcus is a lot better.' He speculated that Aston Villa might take Rashford on loan again with a view to a permanent deal, but a change seems likely after the season and reception he had.
