Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has called on the Gunners to beat Liverpool to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old France international is the subject of a major transfer saga this summer, with Liverpool keen to secure another high-profile addition.
Liverpool's busy summer
Liverpool, who won the Premier League last season, invested heavily in players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz. However, a disappointing campaign followed, culminating in a fifth-place finish and the departure of manager Arne Slot. With Andoni Iraola now at the helm and Mohamed Salah having left the club, Liverpool are again looking to spend big, with Barcola at the top of their list.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that talks have begun between Liverpool and PSG, though a significant gap remains between the clubs' valuations. Barcola is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, but Frimpong believes Arsenal should intervene.
Frimpong's call to Arsenal
Arsenal are already closing in on Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, and Frimpong thinks Barcola would be the perfect second signing. Speaking to Ladbrokes, the 34-year-old said: 'Mikel [Arteta] and the boys have finally got it over the line, which I'm very happy about. But they shouldn't just win it once and be satisfied with that.'
'They have to keep on winning it now and dominate just like how Man United and Man City have in the past. We've got the players, we've got a deep squad and hopefully this summer, the board are going to strengthen further, because I still think we need a couple of wingers and a proper number eight.'
Barcola's price tag
Frimpong added: 'For me, when it comes to realistic signings this summer, with those positions in mind, I feel like Bruno Guimaraes is someone I'd love to see at Arsenal. And also Bradley Barcola… I think he would be very good for Arsenal. Barcola and Bruno Guimaraes would be a very good transfer window for Arsenal.'
Reports in France suggest PSG are hoping for €170 million (£145 million) for Barcola, though that figure seems unlikely. Romano's report indicates Liverpool are prepared to exceed the €100 million (£85 million) mark.
