Bradley Barcola has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool as they aim to reinforce their attack under Andoni Iraola.
The Reds are on the lookout for reinforcements in the final third and have already snapped up Victor Munoz from Osasuna.
Liverpool wanted to sign Yan Diomande, but the Ivorian is believed to prefer a move to PSG if a transfer materialises this summer.
The Reds’ interest in Barcola is also well documented, with the Frenchman turning heads with his performances for club and country in recent seasons.
And now, David Ornstein has confirmed that Liverpool will need to break the bank to secure his signature this summer.
Liverpool told to pay over £116m for Bradley Barcola
Since bursting onto the scene at Lyon, Barcola has developed into one of the most devastating young attackers in world football.
The French international, however, is behind Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order.
For France, it is a similar issue, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and the PSG duo ahead of him.
According to The Athletic’s deal sheet, PSG will demand a fee in excess of £116m this summer, which is the price Manchester City will pay to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The report also adds that the Parisians are under no pressure to sell despite their interest in Diomande as they are set to part with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Goncalo Ramos and Kang-in Lee.
Arsenal’s interest in Barcola has also been mentioned, with the Gunners on the lookout for a premium attacker to build on their Premier League title win.
A ridiculous fee for Liverpool
Last summer, Liverpool paid a combined fee of nearly 320m to snap up Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
After Salah’s departure, they find themselves in such a situation again as the need for a premium attacker is increasing with each passing day at Anfield.
Munoz’s arrival eases the situation a little bit, but the Spaniard is still relatively unproven on the grandest stage.
Liverpool were willing to break the bank for Diomande and could well do so for Barcola. However, it goes without saying that PSG’s asking price makes the deal a huge risk, considering they also have other gaping holes in the squad to address.
Barcola has scored once for France at the World Cup and is expected to be on the bench later today as they take on Isak’s Sweden in a Round of 32 clash.
And Liverpool fans will have a keen eye on that game to follow the Swedish striker, who could well come up against his future teammate in Barcola.
