According to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain in active talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola during the ongoing transfer window.
The Merseyside giants are determined to land a marquee winger this summer, and have earmarked Barcola as the prime target. Personal terms are not an issue for the player, but there is a stumbling block over the price tag.
Speaking exclusively to Caught Offside, Romano has revealed that the Reds are absolutely in ‘active talks’ to land the Frenchman, but there is still a notable gap in the transfer valuations between the clubs.
He said: “Liverpool remain absolutely in active talks with Paris Saint-Germain. The chairman of PSG, Nasser Al Khelaifi, after the Super Cup has confirmed that the player is not untouchable.
“He stated that we will see what’s going to happen and Liverpool remain in conversations with PSG.
“There are daily contacts for this deal. The player is keen on the move and personal terms are not an issue, so now it’s just about reaching a financial agreement between the clubs.
“It’s not that easy, because it’s going to be a big package, so for sure €110m-€120m [£94m-£102.5m] are not enough to convince PSG, but the conversations continue.”
Difficult deal
Liverpool have been locked in discussions for the former Lyon man, but there has been no progress thus far. PSG have carefully analysed the inflated prices during the transfer window and have set a staggering £145 million price tag, according to The Times.
The Reds have no desire to meet the valuation, which has contributed to the impasse. It remains to be seen whether the Anfield giants can persuade the European champions to lower their demands for the versatile attacker over the next few days.
Barcola would be a superb addition to the Liverpool ranks. He is primarily a left winger but has been pretty successful from the right wing too. He has registered 12 goal contributions in 22 appearances from the position for Luis Enrique’s side.
The Frenchman has also excelled with his dribbling and direct runs behind the backline, and would suit the aggressive high pressing football under manager Andoni Iraola. The onus is now on Liverpool to persuade PSG to negotiate a lower sum.
A potential £100m deal is no longer on the cards with PSG having seen Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers join Manchester City and Chelsea for £116m and £117m respectively. PSG clearly believe he is worth more, as per The Athletic, and Liverpool may have to raise the fee to at least £120-125m in order to find a middle ground with PSG over the price for the 23-year-old.
The Reds can’t afford to play the waiting game much longer, given Arsenal are also firm admirers of Barcola. The Premier League holders could capitalise if Liverpool continue to delay in negotiating a package for the highly-rated attacker.
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