Liverpool supporters got another chance to watch Bradley Barcola in action on Saturday as he started for France against Paraguay at the World Cup.
Though it was ultimately a frustrating match for the winger, who was substituted on the hour after failing to break down a stubborn Paraguay back line, it was a nod to Barcola‘s quality that he started for a second consecutive knockout match.
His tournament comes against a backdrop of increased speculation that he could be set to join Liverpool this summer. However, with Paris Saint-Germain not willing to let him go without a fight, the Reds also reportedly face competition from Arsenal for Barcola.
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On Saturday, there were whisperings on social media that Barcola had decided he’d prefer to join Arsenal, but according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, that is not the case, with the 23-year-old still leaving his future ‘open’.
Barcola has not decided his preferred club
Throughout the transfer saga so far, Romano has been insistent that Barcola really could leave PSG this summer, and has remained consistent in his reporting that Liverpool are pushing hard to get him.
Arsenal are clearly keeping the France international in mind as well, but speaking to his YouTube channel on Sunday morning, Romano claimed that Barcola has definitely not given his preference to one club over another.
“I keep telling you to keep an eye on Bradley Barcola,” he said. “Many people are asking me whether he prefers one club more than another. At this stage I can guarantee that Barcola is keeping everything open.”
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“First point, while he’s at the World Cup with France, nothing will happen. Second point, Paris Saint-Germain want big money. Third point, he’s not ‘not for sale,’ he’s not considered a player who’s untouchable at PSG. He’s an important player for the team, but not untouchable.
“PSG would be happy to continue with him,” Romano continued. “But if a big proposal arrives to the player and to Paris Saint-Germain, we still have to keep an eye on him.
“Liverpool are there, don’t forget Liverpool, and also Arsenal. But Arsenal’s priority is Morgan Rogers. So, Barcola, Arsenal is a possibility if Morgan Rogers doesn’t happen. That’s the reality as of today. For Liverpool, Barcola is in the highest position in terms of winger targets.”
Having already lost out on their previous top target in Yan Diomande, it would be a huge blow for the Reds if Barcola were to opt for Arsenal.
Thankfully, Liverpool are still in the mix, but with the World Cup still ongoing for two more weeks, it seems nothing will be sorted for a little while yet.
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