Former France international Marcel Desailly has issued a direct message to Arsenal and Liverpool fans, advising Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola to reject their advances and stay at the French club. Desailly, speaking to Sportcasting, apologised to supporters of both Premier League sides, stating that the 23-year-old is not yet ready for a move to England.
Desailly's Verdict on Barcola's Future
"Should he move to the Premier League? Not yet. Not yet at all," Desailly said. "Sorry Arsenal and Liverpool fans. He should stay at Paris Saint-Germain, play 25 games a season, and grow within that system." Desailly emphasised that Barcola is still learning, particularly from his World Cup experience with France, where he has scored twice and provided one assist in five appearances. The winger will next face Morocco in the quarter-final on Thursday.
Arsenal and Liverpool's Interest
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been monitoring Barcola closely during the World Cup. Reports indicate that Barcola would favour a switch to Arsenal over Liverpool, potentially giving the Gunners an edge in the transfer race. However, Desailly believes the youngster should remain at PSG, where he featured in 49 matches across all competitions last season, netting 13 goals and laying on seven assists.
Competition at PSG
Barcola was rotated in and out of the PSG first team last season, and the club's imminent signing of Yan Diomande is expected to increase competition for places. Desailly argued that Barcola still needs to develop defensive discipline, a weakness exposed in previous matches for both PSG and France. "He's too young. He's only 23-years-old. Didier Deschamps is teaching him a lesson and giving him a chance," Desailly added.
Barcola's Development
Desailly noted that Barcola has grown during the World Cup, learning to contribute without the ball while maintaining his attacking threat. "He's growing, he's learning, and he's getting that winning mentality on both sides of the game," Desailly said. Despite reports that Barcola has informed PSG of his desire to leave, Desailly insists that staying put is the best course of action for the winger's long-term development.
Premier League Ambitions
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options as the club aims to defend their Premier League title and progress further in the Champions League. Barcola came off the bench for PSG in their penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final. Liverpool, meanwhile, had also targeted Diomande but shifted focus to Barcola after the RB Leipzig star chose PSG.
