Liverpool boost in Bradley Barcola chase
Arsenal are not actively pursuing Bradley Barcola, giving Liverpool a free run at signing him. Barcola, 23, has been of interest to both Premier League clubs throughout the summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain open to a sale.
PSG would demand an eye-watering £145million for the winger, who was in and out of France's starting line-up at the World Cup. Liverpool made him a top target and have now been boosted in their pursuit after Arsenal decided to prioritise a stunning move for Vinicius Junior.
The Athletic report that Arsenal's focus is firmly on Real Madrid star, who has one year left on his £400,000-a-week contract. A deal for Barcola is therefore unlikely unless Vinicius snubs the Gunners.
But even with Arsenal out of the picture, Liverpool appear to be reluctant to shell out a club-record fee for Barcola. PSG's argument is that Barcola is worth considerably more than Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers, who Manchester City and Chelsea respectively have paid £116m and £117m for this summer.
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The Frenchman's stock is also high thanks to helping Luis Enrique's side win back-to-back Champions Leagus and having come through Barcelona's famous academy. Enrique is said to only want players who are committed to PSG, plunging Barcola's future into uncertainty.
Barcola himself doesn't know the answer, having been asked about the prospect of a transfer earlier this month.
“I'm focused on the World Cup,” the 23-year-old said.
“What happens after that, I don't know.”
Should Liverpool pay £145million for Bradley Barcola? Have your say in the comments section.
Iraola admits Liverpool need a winger
New manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that Liverpool 'definitely need to sign a winger', having been asked about the Reds' transfer plans last week.
“When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad,” Iraola explained.
“There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.”
Liverpool will kick-off their Premier League campaign and new era under Iraola away to Newcastle on Sunday, August 23. The Reds have played one pre-season friendly so far, beating Sunderland 4-2.
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