What Liverpool have just done with Bradley Barcola shows Andrea Berta pulled off a transfer masterstroke
Bradley Barcola was linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer.
The two Premier League giants have been keen to strengthen their respective attacks, and work has been going on to do just that.
Arsenal decided not to sign Barcola because of PSG’s crazy asking price, but Liverpool made it clear that they were comfortable paying the big bucks.
The financials of the above deal make Andrea Berta look very clever.
Liverpool’s Bradley Barcola fee makes Christos Tzolis an even bigger bargain for Arsenal
Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge earlier this summer.
The Gunners have also been on the market for a marquee left-wing signing, with players like Vinicius Jr and Morgan Rogers linked with a move.
The expectation was that Tzolis would only be the second choice, but the Greek international’s brilliant start to life in the red and white may have changed that plan.
That is incredible, especially as Berta got Tzolis in for just £34 million. That is a bargain in any window, but even more so this summer, with several players moving for crazy money.
Just look at Bradley Barcola, for example.
Reports have claimed that Liverpool have agreed a total package of £123 million to sign the France international.
That is a lot of money for someone who directly contributed to just two more goals than Gabriel Martinelli last season despite playing nearly 600 minutes more.
That makes the £34 million Arsenal paid to sign Tzolis look like a transfer masterclass from Berta.
Why Arsenal did not sign Bradley Barcola
Arsenal liked Barcola, just like every other top club.
The Frenchman is a fantastic footballer, and he has produced a number of incredible performances for PSG and his national team.
However, PSG’s demand was way above the Gunners’ valuation.
When the player’s agents called Berta to see if he would sign him, Arsenal made it clear that they only valued Barcola at £90-£95 million.
At that price, the champions were ready to talk, but £123 million is crazy money, and we think Berta was right to walk away.
