Should Arsenal pivot from Bradley Barcola to a more attainable winger to boost their title chase over Liverpool?

Bradley Barcola has gone from promise to star in the blink of an eye. With 41 goal contributions in the 2024/25 season, the French striker has been key to PSG’s Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League title triumph.

His one-on-one ability, quick reading and ability to break down defensive lines make him a constant threat. He is 22 years old, plays with brashness, and his ceiling is still a long way off. It’s no surprise that Arsenal and Liverpool have been keeping an eye on him. But now that PSG have closed the door, it’s time to rethink plans.

According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, the Parisian club are not willing to sell Barcola. The news comes as a blow to Arsenal and Liverpool, who had him on their shortlist as an ideal reinforcement. Both teams need more spark on the wing and more consistency in the final third.

In the Gunners’ case, Martinelli did not offer any guarantees last season, and Trossard has performed better as a substitute. Liverpool, meanwhile, have problems with Darwin Nunez and Chiesa, who were not up to scratch, while Jota has struggled with injuries. It remains to be seen whether anyone can find an alternative that offers the impact Barcola promised.

Opinion:

From the Arsenal angle, losing the race for Barcola leaves a sour taste, but all is not lost. Edu and Arteta have options. Pivoting to a more accessible profile might be the sensible thing to do if they want to put together a squad that will challenge City and beat Liverpool. Players like Nico Williams or even Yeremy Pino can offer versatility and goalscoring, and are surely more within reach. Barcola was a top option, but not the only one. Martinelli has been inconsistent, but has room for improvement. If they don’t find a clear improvement, bolstering other areas may have more impact in the short term.

Can this attack compete with Guardiola’s? Only if they bring in real quality. Jesus is no guarantee of 15 goals a season. Havertz has been intermittent. Saka carries too much weight alone. Without a reinforcement to generate goals from the left flank or from the centre, Arsenal may fall short, again.

Does Liverpool’s failure to sign Barcola expose a critical gap in replacing Nunez and Chiesa’s poor form?

For Liverpool, the problem is more urgent. Nunez is unresponsive, Chiesa does not fit, Jota is not healthy. Salah and Diaz can’t go it alone. Barcola would have given them explosiveness, goalscoring ability and a cutting edge.

Not signing him exposes the lack of planning. Slot need a new player. Will they come back for Raphinha? Will they try for a João Felix at a discounted price? They have no room to experiment. Losing Barcola is not a mistake if they find someone better, but if they improvise, they will pay for it. They can’t go into another season with a half-baked attack.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool must act quickly. The market will not wait. Barcola won’t move, but there is talent available. The challenge is to get it right. Because the one who misses will see the other celebrating.