Liverpool are trying to complete a blockbuster transfer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola – and there’s been a major update on the fee
Liverpool look set to start the new Premier League season short on attacking options unless they can get a major deal done this week.
Andoni Iraola’s revamped Reds defeated Como 2-0 on Sunday as new defensive signings Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo featured in a victory over Cesc Fabregas’ Italian outfit. Yet aside from recruiting young Spanish winger Victor Munoz, the Merseyside giants have failed so far to bring in the kind of attacking quality required to fill the huge boots of the departed Mohamed Salah.
That follows Liverpool failing to replace Luis Diaz last summer – a decision that severely undermined former manager Arne Slot. And with striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long term injury, the Reds desperately need signings to bolster a forward line with only Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Munoz as senior options. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Transfer breakthrough edges nearer
Paris Saint-Germain are said to be willing to accept offers beneath their initial asking price for Bradley Barcola this summer.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux reports the European champions are providing a “discount” on their valuation of the France international, having originally sought around £145m for the winger, reports the Mirror.
The publication suggests the Parisian powerhouses are now prepared to negotiate with the Reds for a sum between £110m and £120m. PSG reportedly regard this concession as a “small gesture”, designed to prompt Liverpool into intensifying their chase for Barcola.
However, the report cautions that “PSG are under no obligation to sell” and will resolutely resist being more “generous” with their revised price tag.
Fabrizio Romano also provided an update for Reds supporters. He suggests a deal to bring Barcola to Liverpool is now set to “accelerate”, with Liverpool “pushing” to finalise it.
Transfer U-turn explained
Additional information has emerged concerning Juventus’ unsuccessful attempt to sign Reds goalkeeper Alisson earlier this summer.
The Serie A heavyweights made an initial approach to secure the services of the Liverpool No.1, but their opening bid was deemed far from adequate.
Alisson, 33, reportedly agreed personal terms for a move to the Bianconeri, but Liverpool have decided to retain him for at least another year following a contract extension.
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided further insight. On his podcast, he stated Juve’s primary target was Alisson and the player and Italian club “had already reached an agreement”.
He added the Brazilian ace had even chosen his shirt number. However, with Liverpool keen to hold onto their No. 1, Juve redirected their focus towards Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez now finds himself in a state of uncertainty as Villa are on the brink of signing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, while Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario is set to head to Turin on loan instead.
Alisson played for the Reds on Sunday in their victory over Como and he reiterated his commitment for this season, stating he is prepared for the Iraola era to commence.
“All the boys did well, the back four did really well, the players in midfield run a lot and fight a lot to get the results and that’s the spirit we have to keep on going for the next games,” he said.
“I am really excited and looking forward, but [with] feet on the ground. We dream big but we work hard. That’s the thing we have to do. We still have things to improve and don’t have consistency for the full game, but we are going to get there.”