Sports
Liverpool Now ‘Really Keen’ to Sign Arsenal Target Bradley Barcola
Attacking reinforcements are needed at Liverpool ahead of the 2026/27 season as they look to right the wrongs of the previous campaign.
The favourites to win the Premier League last summer after splashing the cash in the weeks after their title triumph, the Reds endured a dismal year and finished the season in fifth under Arne Slot.
The team’s struggles ultimately resulted in the Dutchman losing his job, with Andoni Iraola the man to come in and replace him following his incredible work at Bournemouth.
Much more will be expected this season of Liverpool, who have so far signed defender Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz.
Liverpool have the small matter of trying to replace club legend Mohamed Salah and Reds fans are hoping that another attacking signing arrives ahead of the new term.
Possible Barcola movement
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are “really, really keen’ on French international Bradley Barcola as they get their plans in place for the new season.
The 23-year-old has made quite a name for himself in the French capital since moving from Lyon in 2023, notably helping Luis Enrique’s side win back-to-back Champions League titles after such a long wait for Europe’s top prize.
Competing with the wealth of attacking options at Enrique’s disposal, Barcola contributed 13 goals in all competitions last season, but there has been some speculation regarding a potential move away from the Parc des Princes, especially with Yan Diomande a potential incoming.
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Speaking on the HereWeGo podcast, Romano opened up on Barcola’s future and mentioned both Liverpool and Arsenal when discussing the youngster, who could command a transfer fee of over £116m.
He said: “I’m not going to say Barcola is not for sale at the end of June because I think there is still the possibility to see some movement, with Liverpool really interested, with Barcola also on Arsenal’s list. But Liverpool are really, really keen on the player.”
Barcola’s World Cup role
Barcola’s 2025/26 season could get even better if France go all the way and win the World Cup final later this month.
Already getting his hands on five trophies this season with his club side, France are the current favourites to lift the famous trophy in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in terms of his attack, with Barcola so far rotating with club teammate Desire Doue in France’s fearsome front four.
Barcola has managed to chip in with two goals this tournament, including one last time out against Sweden in the Round of 32, and you wouldn’t bet against him adding to his tally with Les Bleus expected to reach the final.
The former Lyon man would give Liverpool a noticeable upgrade in the left-wing position if he signed, helping the club to finally replace Luis Diaz following his move to Bayern Munich last summer.
Harry Kane has fired a warning shot ahead of England’s last-16 date with Mexico, admitting there is nothing the Three Lions can do to counter one huge disadvantage awaiting them in Mexico City.
England’s captain was speaking after another dramatic night in the World Cup, rescuing Thomas Tuchel’s side from a shock defeat to DR Congo with a five-minute double that also saw him move above Pele on the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
England trailed DR Congo for over an hour, thanks to Brian Cipenga’s early strike, until Kane’s intervention turned the game on its head, but the celebrations were short-lived once talk turned to what comes next.
Mexico await in the last 16, and this one comes with a built-in obstacle no amount of quality can fix.
Kane Fears England Can’t Overcome Azteca Altitude
That obstacle is the Estadio Azteca, sitting roughly 2,240 metres above sea level and previously the stage for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
Mexico have lost just twice in 89 competitive matches there, and Kane fears his side simply won’t have time to adjust to conditions before kickoff. Kane said after his latest goalscoring heroics:
“My understanding is we cannot adapt to the altitude.
It’s a huge advantage Mexico have. There’s not enough time.”
Sports scientists generally suggest a week or two of acclimatisation is needed for the body to adjust to an altitude of that magnitude, something England have no chance of replicating given they only have four days between fixtures.
Thomas Tuchel Accepts England Won’t Be Ready in Time
Tuchel was just as candid, admitting there’s no getting around the physical reality his players face. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “We will not be ready; we will arrive one day early, but we will not be ready because you cannot be ready in terms of adaptation. The body cannot adapt in three days’ time; it’s just impossible.
“We need 12 days’ time, 14 days’ time. We don’t have it, so it is a big disadvantage, of course.”
England, who are based in Kansas City, won’t touch down in Mexico until the weekend, while El Tri arrive unbeaten in 26 games at the Azteca after seeing off Ecuador.
Thunderstorms are forecast for kickoff, and Mexican supporters have already shown their willingness to disrupt opposition preparations, with fireworks set off outside Ecuador’s team hotel before their own visit to the stadium.
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Tuchel, though, insists his players won’t use any of it as an excuse. “Bring it on,” he said. “It’s a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready, whatever it takes.”
Henry Winter joins Market Madness to react to England’s nervy 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, Harry Kane’s rescue act and Thomas Tuchel’s biggest issues before Mexico.
Kieran Maguire joins Market Madness to explain UEFA’s squad cost rule, why Aston Villa were hit hardest, and how PSR is changing the Premier League transfer market.
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