Emmanuel Petit Backs Liverpool to Secure Barcola Over Arsenal

Emmanuel Petit expects Liverpool to win a heavyweight tug of war with Arsenal for Bradley Barcola – and still fall short of the Premier League’s top four.

The former Gunners midfielder believes the PSG winger is tailor-made for Andoni Iraola’s side and insists Liverpool’s need on the flanks is far greater than Arsenal’s, despite the north London club also moving for a new wide forward.

Liverpool lead chase for Barcola

Barcola, 23, is one of the most coveted wide players on the market this summer. Talks over a new deal at PSG have stalled, and the France international is widely expected to move before the window shuts on September 1.

Liverpool have been in front for some time. Barcola is understood to be keen on Anfield, personal terms are already in place, and the Reds see him as a major piece in the next evolution of their attack. One problem: the price.

PSG are holding out for around £130million (€151m), a figure Fenway Sports Group are currently unwilling to match. That stand-off has opened the door for others to circle.

Arsenal, having sold Leandro Trossard and preparing to move on Gabriel Martinelli, have now stepped into the frame. Mikel Arteta wants another left-sided option, but Petit is not convinced the Emirates is where Barcola should land.

Petit: Liverpool “need him much more than Arsenal”

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Petit laid out the tactical picture as he sees it, starting with Arsenal’s recent business.

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

“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.”

For Petit, the logic is simple. Arsenal already have Tzolis shining on the left and a more settled structure under Arteta. Liverpool, under a new manager and still reshaping their forward line, lack that same security out wide. Barcola, in his view, would walk straight into a bigger role at Anfield.

Doubts linger over Iraola’s Liverpool

Even if Liverpool do get their man, Petit is not convinced it will be enough to drag them back into the Champions League places.

Iraola has swapped Bournemouth for one of the most pressurised jobs in European football, replacing Arne Slot at the end of last season. The Spaniard’s front-foot style has admirers, but Petit sees too many gaps in the squad for a serious top-four push.

“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.

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

So Petit tips Liverpool to win the race for Barcola, a statement signing at well over £100m. The bigger question is whether even that kind of firepower will be enough to stop the club’s grip on Europe’s elite from slipping further away.