Bradley Barcola has asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain amid interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal this summer, according to a source with ties to the Reds.
Barcola has emerged as one of the most high-profile options for Liverpool as they look to strengthen their attack this summer.
While RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is considered the primary candidate, the Frenchman’s situation at PSG makes him an attractive proposition.
According to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, Barcola has now informed PSG of his desire to leave this summer after talks stalled over a new contract.
Crook is seen as reliable when it comes to Liverpool due to his connections at Bournemouth during Richard Hughes‘ time there as technical director.
Barcola is said to be “keen to leave,” though PSG view him as “not for sale” and “their stance will only soften if they bring in another winger this window.”
PSG are among Liverpool’s rivals when it comes to Diomande but more recently they have been credited with an interest in AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
If Akliouche were to make the move to the Parc des Princes, it stands to reason that Barcola would then be available as he enters the final two years of his contract.
French newspaper L’Equipe reported earlier this week that the 23-year-old is expected to leave PSG as he is not considered a first-choice starter under Luis Enrique.
It was claimed that PSG are “not entirely opposed to a sale” but “all the conditions for a departure will have to be right.”
Any deal for Barcola would likely only develop later in the summer, as he is is currently involved at the World Cup with France.
But Barcola’s current predicament was compounded as he was named on the bench for both of France’s warmup friendlies prior to the tournament – having also been a substitute for the Champions League final with PSG.
Where Bradley Barcola would fit in at Liverpool
A natural left winger, he could be an outstanding addition to new head coach Andoni Iraola‘s attack, particularly with Cody Gakpo now touted with an exit.
There is an argument to make that, with Mo Salah departed and Hugo Ekitike out with a long-term injury, Liverpool should look to bring in both Barcola and Diomande.
