Arsenal could have been handed a setback in their pursuit of winger Bradley Barcola after former France skipper Marcel Desailly recommended the young winger remain in France.
Despite a strong showing in the World Cup, Desailly advised the 23-year-old against a move to the Premier League this summer. Barcola, who is currently with the French squad at the World Cup, where he’s scored two goals and provided one assist in five appearances, has been on Arsenal’s radar, and it’s been reported that the young forward would prefer to join the Emirates.
Although he managed a solid 13 goals and seven assists for PSG this season, he still failed to secure a place in the first-team squad on a consistent basis, and with the anticipated arrival of highly-rated youth player Yan Diomande, Barcola is considered to be on the way out.
However, his countryman Desailly believes it would be in the youngster’s best interest to stay put: “Barcola has no reason to leave PSG,” said the former Chelsea defender. “He’s still learning at 23, and he is making improvements in his defence, in his ability to show the mentality to be winners.” Although Desailly recognizes the attacker’s quality, he feels the forward needs time to develop his all-round game before making the switch to the Premier League. “He should stay at PSG and get regular game time and keep working in this team,” Desailly added.
“A move to England can wait.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in reinforcements for his attack, but prising away one of France’s best young prospects may prove difficult, particularly with the performances the attacker has delivered for his national team this winter.
