Emmanuel Petit Predicts Liverpool Will Win Barcola Battle

Emmanuel Petit expects Liverpool to beat Arsenal to the signing of Bradley Barcola – and still fall short of the Premier League’s top four.

The former Arsenal midfielder believes the PSG winger is exactly what Andoni Iraola’s side are missing, even as the fee threatens to rocket beyond £100million and towards Paris’ £130m (€151m) valuation.

Barcola, 23, has emerged as one of the most coveted wide forwards in Europe. Talks over a new contract at PSG have stalled, and both Liverpool and Arsenal are circling as the transfer window ticks towards its September 1 deadline.

Liverpool have pushed hardest and longest. Barcola is understood to be keen on Anfield, personal terms are already in place, and the player is poised to leave Paris. The problem sits higher up the chain: FSG’s reluctance to meet PSG’s asking price.

Arsenal arrive late to the chase

Arsenal’s interest has gathered pace only recently. The north London club have already moved on Leandro Trossard and are preparing to part ways with Gabriel Martinelli, leaving Mikel Arteta light on the left flank.

Petit, though, sees a different picture after the arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The Greece international has hit the ground running, impressing sharply in pre-season and starring in the Community Shield.

“Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,” Petit told Grosvenor Sport.

“With Martinelli leaving and Trossard no longer at the club, they likely need another option on the left side.

“If they were to bring in Barcola, it would be difficult for both players to secure a spot in the starting eleven.”

That logjam is exactly why Petit feels Barcola’s future lies on Merseyside rather than at the Emirates.

“I am a huge fan of Barcola. I believe Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal.

“They definitely need to strengthen their wide areas, particularly on the left flank, they have had problems there since the start of last season.”

For Petit, the equation is simple: Arsenal can cope without Barcola. Liverpool can’t.

Liverpool’s wider problems under Iraola

Even so, the 1998 World Cup winner does not think winning this transfer tug-of-war will suddenly restore Liverpool to their old heights.

Iraola has stepped into one of the most scrutinised jobs in European football after leaving Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot at the end of last season. The jump, Petit warns, is enormous.

“I am still waiting to see Liverpool’s full intent in the transfer market, as they currently appear to be missing key players,” he said.

“They have a new manager in Iraola, and adjusting to the scale of Liverpool after Bournemouth is a big transition.

“Liverpool need results immediately.”

Petit looks at the current squad, the gaps he feels remain, and the strength of their rivals – and he is unconvinced.

“Ultimately, I see the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Liverpool may find it tough again this year.”

So even if Liverpool do land Barcola in a deal that smashes past £100m, Petit’s verdict is stark: it might win them a transfer battle with Arsenal, but it may not be enough to drag them back into the Champions League places.