If there’s one transfer Arsenal should pull out all the stops to prevent, it’s Bradley Barcola to Liverpool.
Arsenal may have hinted they won’t stand in the way of their alleged dream signing, Alexander Isak, joining the Reds, but the same cannot apply to Barcola. Arsenal desperately need someone with Barcola’s capabilities.
Arsenal’s Left-Wing Problem
For the left wing, Arsenal need a maverick like the PSG star, someone who can go left, go right, kill you inside or out. He can hold the width on the touchline or combine centrally with teammates.
Throughout pre-season, Arsenal’s struggles to impact play from the left have been glaringly obvious.
Gabriel Martinelli has failed to show signs that the 2022-23 version of himself is still hanging in there. Martinelli suddenly can’t beat defenders, and Leandro Trossard, who has yet to sign a new contract offer, doesn’t have the pace to stretch them.
The Brazilian’s dip in form, in particular, has raised concerns that even the impact of a potential Eberechi Eze signing could be blunted, especially if his left-wing partner can’t beat defenders one-on-one.
Arsenal Must Act Fast
Arsenal have been linked with Barcola, but it’s Liverpool who are now preparing to enter the fray.
The mere hint that the Reds want him should spook Arsenal. If Barcola joins Liverpool, it could be game over.
Gooners should be furious if Barcola is available and Arsenal don’t make a move. If I’m Andrea Berta, I’m dropping an £80 million bid at PSG’s door for Barcola.
Under normal circumstances, PSG may not want to lose him. But with Liverpool circling Isak and a hefty bid incoming, PSG could pivot and go on the offensive for the Newcastle man if Liverpool continue to dilly-dally.
Forget Isak, Barcola is a superstar. With 41 goal contributions in 64 games while playing as PSG’s fourth option, imagine what he could do as Arsenal’s first-choice left winger. It would be frightening, but fortunately not for us Gooners!
What are your thoughts on Barcola? What are Arsenal doing about a left winger?
Daniel O
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Watched a fair bit of Barcola, what he does in Ligue 1 is impressive but its mostly against weak opposition, whilst playing in a team of world class superstars. His frame is very, very light, and his shooting against top GK’s is not convincing. Another option at LW would be great but £80m on a player who still has a huge amount to prove against big opposition wouldn’t be wise. Maybe in a year or two but right now I wouldn’t break the bank for him. Could end up another Gervinho/Pepe.
If we’re spending that kind of money then Morgan Rogers makes far more sense. PL proven, young and versatile, with a very high ceiling.
@Merson Mersoff
I guess all the teams they toppled to win the CL, were all “weak opposition”, including AFC…🤔
@ny_gunner
Maybe don’t paraphrase me, I clearly stated against Ligue 1 opposition. And if you actually watched the CL you’d have seen that he was used sparingly, mostly coming on as a sub in the last twenty minutes when fullbacks were worn out from Dembele, Doue and Kvart. I can’t even remember a game he started in the CL, and I don’t remember him dazzling against strong opposition not adding much to his Ligue 1 goal tally… can you enlighten me on how I’m actually wrong? I’d be up for a genuine, grown up discussion, and I’m happy to be proven wrong.
@Merson Mersoff
And I simply made the point that he has proven himself against big opposition. ✌🏾
But you haven’t though. Which games?
Eze, Rodrygo, Lookman, now Barcola etc. etc., another day another target.
What did make me smile was the line in the article: “Arsenal may have hinted they won’t stand in the way of their alleged dream signing, Alexander Isak, joining the Reds”. Well, that’s big of Arsenal! As if they have the slightest say in whether Isak joins any other club. Let’s not get too inflated an opinion of the club we support, Just Arsenal – it can look a little silly.
Bertie,
I think there was £150M other reasons in the way of him joining us to be fare.😂👍
For me, the key advantage with Eze, apart from being home grown and PL experienced, is that he can also play centrally thus providing additional cover for Odegaard and Nw