Liverpool backed to hijack move for Arsenal transfer target: ‘Statement signing’

Emile Heskey has urged Liverpool to beat Arsenal to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and land a ‘statement signing’ for new boss Andoni Iraola.

Barcola was a key cog in Luis Enrique’s side last season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions as the French side won Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

But despite that, the French winger is said to be weighing up his future after PSG having grown unhappy with his lower game-time.

Barcola, who is currently at the World Cup with France, was named on the bench for PSG’s Champions League final win over Arsenal and is reportedly not keen to extend his contract, which is set to expire in 2028.

Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer of Barcola, with Arsenal considering a move for the Frenchman alongside their interest in Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers.

Liverpool are also interested in signing the PSG star as they look to strengthen their options in wide areas following the departure of Mohamed Salah.

And Heskey urged his former side to press ahead with that deal, insisting Barcola is just what Liverpool have been missing in wide areas.

‘Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we’ve been missing on the left wing,’ he told Boyle Sports.

‘We’ve been spoiled with Sadio Mané and Luis Díaz, and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again.

‘Liverpool looked to have missed out on Yan Diomande to PSG, but that could open the door to Barcola leaving, it would be a statement signing for Andoni Iraola that’s for sure.’

Prising Barcola away from PSG could prove a difficult task, though, with the European champions reportedly in no rush to sell Barcola despite his grievances over his playing time.

The Parisians have already sold Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan for €74million (£63.7m), while they will also look to cash in on Lee Kang-in and Randal Kolo Muani this summer.

Furthermore, it is said that PSG value Barcola at more than the £116m which Manchester City forked out to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Elsewhere, Heskey urged Arsenal to instead explore a move for England winger Marcus Rashford, and is confident the 28-year-old would be a significant upgrade on the Gunners’ current options.

‘I think Marcus Rashford needs to move on, I don’t think he’s staying at Manchester United,’ Heskey added. ‘It’ll be interesting to see where he goes. I doubt it will be another loan unless it’s a move with a view to a permanent deal.

‘I can’t see him staying at United. Aston Villa might take him on loan again with a view to a permanent move, I think he’d be a great asset there. After the season and the reception he had, a change seems likely.

‘I thought he might be heading to Barcelona, but it seems his time there has passed. I could see him thriving at Arsenal. I’m not a big fan of Gabriel Martinelli, I think Marcus is a lot better. It will be interesting to see if they look at him as their next left winger.’

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