Liverpool set to win Barcola battle but face top-four challenge

Emmanuel Petit believes Liverpool will beat Arsenal to Bradley Barcola’s signature in one of the headline deals of the summer – and still fall short of the Premier League’s top four.

The former Arsenal midfielder is convinced the PSG and France winger is tailor‑made for Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool, even as both English giants circle a player valued at well over £100million.

Liverpool and Arsenal collide over Barcola

Both clubs are in the market for a wide forward before the window closes on September 1, and Barcola has become the shared obsession.

Liverpool have led the chase for some time. The 23-year-old is expected to leave the back-to-back Champions League winners after talks over a new contract stalled, and he is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Personal terms are already in place.

The problem is the fee. FSG are resisting PSG’s £130million (€151m) asking price, a figure swelled by the sums Manchester City and Chelsea paid for Elliott Anderson and Morgan Rogers earlier in the summer.

Arsenal have arrived later to the table. Their interest has sharpened after the sale of Leandro Trossard and with Gabriel Martinelli also heading for the exit, leaving Mikel Arteta short on the left.

Petit, though, sees a clearer path – and a greater need – on Merseyside.

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

‘Too many holes’ for Liverpool to crack top four

Even if Liverpool do get their man, Petit is far from convinced Iraola can drag them back into the Champions League places at the first attempt.

The Spaniard left Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot at Anfield, a leap in expectation that Petit believes will hit hard if the squad is not reinforced quickly.

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

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

Liverpool are exploring other attacking options, with a fresh report indicating interest in a highly rated Chile forward. But for Petit, the equation is already stark.

Win the race for Barcola, plug a glaring hole on the left, and Iraola at least has a weapon to work with. Miss out, and the gap to the clubs Petit has already pencilled into his top four might stretch even further.