Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in PSG winger Bradley Barcola ahead of the summer transfer window
PSG boss Luis Enrique declared he does not need to explain his decision to sub Bradley Barcola at half-time of the Champions League finalists’ Ligue 1 title triumph at Lens.
Barcola was hooked at the interval and L’Equipe later graded him a three in their PSG player ratings.
Arsenal and Liverpool are watching developments closely and uncertainty lingers over the Frenchman’s future at the Parc des Princes.
When asked why he substituted Barcola, Enrique said after the game: “What I can say here is that I can’t say anything. I have no important information for you and you must think what you think. I don’t have to explain anything. But it’s very clear.”
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
PSG are thought to be holding contract talks with Barcola’s camp, though discussions will intensify at the end of the season.
If the parties cannot reach an agreement, there’s a firm chance he could depart PSG where he has struggled for consistent starts this term.
Speaking back in March, Barcola made it clear he wanted to stay put when asked about his future: “I’m not focused on this, it’s my agent working on the contract. But I am so happy at Paris Saint-Germain.”
PSG are also looking to bolster their attack and have Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande on their radar.
Liverpool also wants Diomande, but if PSG move for the Ivory Coast international, that could open doors for the Reds to pounce for Barcola.
The 23-year-old is trying to force his way into PSG’s starting XI for the Champions League final against Arsenal.
However, he has not started a Champions League knockout match since scoring against Chelsea in the last 16 second leg.
PSG were crowned champions on Wednesday night with one match to spare following a 2-0 victory away at second-place Lens.
The fact that young attacker Ibrahim Mbaye swiftly scored from the bench did not reflect well on Barcola, whose performance disappointed Enrique.
The French giants were also missing a number of key stars as Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Achraf Hakimi, Warren Zaire-Emery, Lucas Chevalier and Lee Kang-in all missed out through injury.
PSG conclude their domestic campaign away to Paris FC and will not participate in the Coupe de France final, where Lens will square off against Nice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
