Arsenal transfer target Bradley Barcola demonstrated exactly why Mikel Arteta is keen on the Frenchman and his background further validates the chase
Arsenal are interested in France and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, football.london understands, ahead of a push to add goals and quality to the forward line. Mikel Arteta witnessed his side win the Premier League title with the defensive security as the bedrock for his side’s success.
But in the UEFA Champions League final, the Gunners faced scrutiny for their lack of attacking threat, and many feel that if the level is to be raised, it will come by making changes to the options in the final third.
Barcola fits the profile of what the club are looking for in terms of style, position, creativity and goals. The latter is the most debatable, with the Frenchman often facing scrutiny for his finishing ability.
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However, 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season are nothing to sniff at. Especially considering he has not been the first choice, often playing second fiddle to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, which is one of the reasons PSG could be open to selling.
The French side also have an interest in Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, and with Liverpool moving for Victor Munoz, the Reds may therefore have left the race for the Ivorian. A domino effect of Arsenal landing Barcola, therefore, would aid PSG’s attempts for Diomande.
Barcola’s debut World Cup goal had all the traits of a player that Arsenal needed, after his excellent finish in the 3-1 win over Senegal. A pass through the centre sprung onto by the 23-year-old, too quick for any defender, before a cool, clipped finish over Edouard Mendy.
In Ligue 1 last season, he ranked in the top 6% for goals, top 4% for expected goals, top 2% for shots on target, top 14% for chances created, top 11% for successful dribbles, and top 2% for touches in the opposition box – according to FotMob for players in his position. It is worth adding that playing for PSG certainly has context to this date.
He underperformed his 4.05 xG in the UEFA Champions League, scoring twice and missing a big chance in the final against Arsenal. But his four assists put him inside the top 7% in the competition for wingers.
His 28 tackles in Europe and 18 tackles are also some of the highest of any player in his role in the Champions League, certainly traits which Arteta, of all coaches, would appreciate.
A price tag is the biggest question mark, and after signing for around £40million just three years ago and going on to become a double Champions League winner and senior France international, now scoring at a World Cup, that figure will have increased. He has two years left on his deal.
With interest in Morgan Rogers, Junior Kroupi, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Christos Tzolis, it is shaping up to be quite the summer for the club. A very expensive one, too.
