Arsenal have an incredibly bold plan. It’s one that should send a £100m winger to Liverpool.
Liverpool desperately need a new winger after Mohamed Salah’s exit. They needed one anyway, given no one replaced Luis Diaz – though, the hope is that Victor Munoz will now do that.
Advertisement
But replacing Salah is another matter entirely. He was the main attacking output in the team, both for goals and assists. Yes, he had a down year last term but his numbers remained higher than just about every potential replacement.
It’s why Liverpool are trying to shop in the elite bracket right now. That started with a move for Yan Diomande but despite initially believing it was on, the player rejected them for Paris Saint-Germain (and subsequently rejected them for Real Madrid).
Now the main target is Bradley Barcola, a player Anfield Watch initially reported was a target back in April. He was viewed as a ‘market opportunity’ back then – though, it’s now debatable how correct that was.
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
Advertisement
Open an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.
18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
£30 FREECLAIM NOW
18+Gambling can be addictive — please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.
Advertisement
Yes, Barcola is available and absolutely an opportunity. But a potential smart signing? Not so much. Not when the Athletic report that Barcola could cost €180m.
Liverpool certainly don’t value Barcola at that level and that has us wondering. A lot has been made of the fact that the Reds aren’t the only club interested, with Arsenal also in this race.
However, the Athletic’s report makes it clear that the Gunners are prioritising a move for Vinicius Jr and his new chin this summer. Without that two-way battle for Barcola, we’re not sure PSG will be able to demand that €180m.
It’s a figure almost certainly dependent on a transfer battle and so if the Parisians wish to sell their winger, they’ll need to lower it. Liverpool have more power here as both Barcola’s preferred destination (L’Equipe) and the only club currently willing to splash cash on him.
Whether Arsenal can actually sign Vinicius or not is now redundant. They’re not currently in this race and it’s a straight negotiation between Liverpool and PSG for Barcola.
Read the full article here
