Emmanuel Petit backs Liverpool to win Barcola battle but warns on top-four

Emmanuel Petit expects Liverpool to land Bradley Barcola ahead of Arsenal in what would be one of the landmark transfers of the window – yet he still doesn’t see the Reds as a top-four side this season.

The former Arsenal midfielder believes the France international is a far better fit for Andoni Iraola’s project at Anfield than for Mikel Arteta’s reshaped attack, even with both English giants circling and Paris Saint-Germain demanding well over £100million.

Liverpool and Arsenal collide over Barcola

Both clubs are scouring the market for a new wide forward before the window shuts on September 1, and Barcola has emerged as the shared target.

The 23-year-old, a standout for PSG and France, is expected to leave the back-to-back Champions League winners after talks over a new deal stalled. Liverpool have led the chase for some time, with Barcola understood to favour a move to Anfield and personal terms already in place.

The problem is the price.

FSG are resisting PSG’s £130million (€151m) valuation, a figure inflated by the money Manchester City and Chelsea have thrown at wide players this summer, including deals for Elliott Anderson and Morgan Rogers. Liverpool want Barcola. They just don’t want to be dragged into another arms race.

Arsenal have arrived later to the table. Their interest has sharpened after Leandro Trossard’s departure and with Gabriel Martinelli also expected to move on, leaving Arteta short on the left side.

Yet Petit still sees a clearer path – and a greater need – on Merseyside.

‘Liverpool need him much more’

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Petit pointed straight at the balance of both squads and the early impact of one of Arsenal’s new signings.

“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, Arsenal’s move for Tzolis already shifts the dynamic. Arteta has another livewire option cutting in from the left. Barcola, if he arrived, would walk into a traffic jam.

Liverpool, by contrast, look thin and unsettled in those zones. That’s where Petit sees the Frenchman changing the picture, giving Iraola a direct, high-impact wide threat in a part of the pitch that has troubled the Reds for over a year.

The question is whether Liverpool blink first on the fee.

Petit doubts Liverpool’s top-four credentials

Even if they do, Petit isn’t convinced it will be enough to haul Liverpool back into the Champions League places at the first time of asking under Iraola.

The Spaniard has taken the leap from Bournemouth to Liverpool after Arne Slot’s exit at the end of last season, and Petit is not sure the squad around him is ready for a 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,” the Frenchman added.

“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.”

It’s a blunt assessment. Even with Barcola on one flank, Petit sees too many gaps elsewhere and too steep a learning curve for Iraola to crash the Champions League party at the first attempt.

Liverpool, for their part, are still exploring other attacking options. A fresh report claims the club are also targeting a highly rated Chile forward as they look to sharpen Iraola’s front line.

Barcola, another winger, another big fee on the horizon. The market is moving fast. The real test is whether Liverpool move just as quickly – or watch a player Petit believes they “need much more” walk into a rival’s dressing room.