Emmanuel Petit has sent a clear warning to Paris Saint-Germain’s wantaway forward Bradley Barcola, amid speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool have long been considered the frontrunners to sign the France international who looks set to leave PSG with negotiations over a new contract having stalled.
Barcola is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield and personal terms are already broadly agreed.
The Reds, however, are reluctant to meet the French club’s £130million asking price which has been influenced by the fees Chelsea and Manchester City have paid this summer for the Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson.
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With Arsenal still looking for a headline attacking signing, the Gunners have been linked with a late move for the France international but Petit believes Barcola would be best served by a move to Andoni Iraola’s team, especially given the impressive start Christos Tzolis has made since his move from Club Brugge to the champions.
‘Arsenal have just signed Christos Tzolis, who has made a big impression so far, he was brilliant in the Community Shield,’ Petit told Grosvenor Sport.
‘With Martinelli leaving and Trossard no longer at the club, they likely need another option on the left side.
‘If they were to bring in Barcola, it would be difficult for both players to secure a spot in the starting eleven.
‘That said, I am a huge fan of Barcola. I believe Liverpool need him much more than Arsenal.
‘They definitely need to strengthen their wide areas, particularly on the left flank, they have had problems there since the start of last season.’
Even if Liverpool are successful in agreeing a deal for Barcola, Petit feels Iraola faces an uphill task breaking into the top four in what will be his first season at the helm after leaving Bournemouth at the end of last season.
He added: ‘Who will be in the top four? Chelsea are a huge club with so many talented players who are surely tired of recent frustrating seasons. They won the Club World Cup and the Conference League but those trophies do not meet the standard expected of Chelsea.
‘They must return to a Champions League spot and fight for the title. The fact that they are not competing in European competitions is a huge factor.
‘Midweek matches demand energy and make it difficult to maintain a consistent fight in the Premier League just three days later. This lack of European football will be a big advantage for Chelsea this season. So they will be in the top three with Arsenal and Man City.
‘Aston Villa, they have lost some very important players. Unai Emery has performed miracles there, and his work has transformed the club by bringing stability to their results. However, balancing the Premier League with European football this season will be a challenge.
‘I am not certain Aston Villa will qualify for the Champions League again, but I would definitely include Chelsea and Manchester City as contenders. The fourth spot is harder to predict.
‘It will likely be a battle between Manchester United and Liverpool. I am still waiting to see Liverpool’s full intent in the transfer market, as they currently appear to be missing key players. They have a new manager in Iraola, and adjusting to the scale of Liverpool after Bournemouth is a big transition.
‘Liverpool need results immediately. Manchester United has shown confidence in Michael Carrick and I expect them to be in the mix. But, the demands of a Champions League return and the necessary squad rotation suggest they are still missing a few players.
‘Manchester United need to look at their defense. They concede too many goals and have suffered so many injuries, particularly among central defenders. It is difficult to predict their first-choice back four given how many players were sidelined last season.
‘Ultimately, I see the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Liverpool may find it tough again this year.’
