Bradley Barcola crisis: Nine-figure Liverpool forward deal risks falling apart
It’s no secret that Liverpool are chasing a couple of winger deals as the summer transfer window ticks towards its conclusion.
Yankuba Minteh emerged as a genuine target last week with Richard Hughes seeing bids worth £50m and £60m knocked back.
It is expected that the 2024/25 Premier League champions will return with another offer for the Brighton winger - who is valued by his club at around £70m.
The other wide forward in focus is Bradley Barcola.
Barcola wanted for nine-figure deal
The 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward is under contract until 2028 but widely tipped to leave this summer. PSG are seeking a nine-figure deal for the France international - with Liverpool hoping to get the price down as much as possible in talks.
That stance is understood to have frustrated the two-time European champions - who want around €140m for their versatile winger.
And if Liverpool don’t meet the valuation requirements then there is every chance that a deal for Barcola could fall apart.
Arsenal could hijack Barcola move
Arsenal are known to be keen with money burning a hole in Mikel Arteta’s pocket after missing out on Vinicius Junior. The Gunners are also reluctant to meet the PSG asking price but could hijack Liverpool’s attempts before the window closes.
And worryingly a report from Nicolo Schira is now claiming that another contender is beginning to emerge for Barcola.
Because an unnamed team in the Saudi Pro League are ready to test PSG’s resolve - and no doubt offer Barcol a blockbuster salary into the bargain.
Saudi Pro League makes move for Barcola
“Excl - Bradley #Barcola is still #Liverpool’s main target as winger,” he writes on X.
“#LFC are set to submit a new bid to #PSG this week to try to sign him. “#Arsenal and a Saudi Club have also shown interest, but #Reds leading the race. Agreement in principle for a contract until 2032”
We can take it as a good sign that Liverpool are still leading the chase for Barcola. He has reportedly okayed a switch to Merseyside but a lot of work remains if Liverpool are going to achieve their stated aim of signing a new winger.