Here we go, Liverpool now on the brink of massive Bradley Barcola transfer | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano's latest update is great news for Liverpool.

Let's be honest, we all admit losing out on Diomande was a huge blow for Liverpool. The Reds were not targeting him and Bradley Barcola it was both they were after.

After all, why would a player in Diomande, who prefers to play as a right-winger, have an alternative in Barcola, who prefers to play on the left-wing?

It just doesn't make sense. Diomande was clearly the top target to replace Mo Salah. As for Barcola, he is the target to replace Cody Gakpo and probably Salah as well now.

Liverpool's fantasies of having another summer where they signed Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak are just that, Paris Saint Germain will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of signing Diomande instead.

That doesn't change the fact that Richard Hughes is clearly open to selling Gakpo, and there is now genuine interest in the Dutch winger with Spurs emerging as a serious contender for his signature.

It's obvious Gakpo is open to a move as well, and Liverpool will have alternative options for the right-wing they could explore - one in particular will likely be Yankuba Minteh.

But there is no denying that on top of that Barcola would be the perfect signing as well.

Iraola's football is built around speed, directness and intensity. His teams look to win the ball back quickly and attack before opponents have a chance to reset. That means wide players become absolutely crucial. They need to be quick enough to exploit space, brave enough to take defenders on and intelligent enough to make the right decisions in transition.

Barcola ticks every box.

The French winger is one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe because of his ability to carry the ball at pace and create danger in one-on-one situations. He's at his best when driving directly at defenders, which makes him a perfect fit for the vertical style Iraola likes to implement. Rather than slowing attacks down, Barcola constantly looks to move play forward.

His work rate is also tailor made for the Spanish coach's system. Iraola demands intensity from his forwards, both in and out of possession. Pressing is non-negotiable in his system, and Barcola has shown he has the athleticism and energy required to contribute defensively as well as offensively playing in an intense PSG team under Luis Enrique.

Barcola is clearly the trickiest deal of the summer for Liverpool. Paris Saint Germain will be reluctant to sell. They have such a strong squad and a really good balance.

That is why they are back-to-back Champions League winners. However, Barcola has made it clear he does not intend to extend his contract with the club.

It's quite obvious therefore that by keeping him this summer they risk depreciating an asset who could be sold for a lot of money and provide them with the financial means to go out and sign a big marquee player like Diomande.

But there are now even more signs of Liverpool closing in on Barcola's signature.

Paris Saint Germain aren't just signing Diomande, they are adding even more depth to their attacking roster.

Fabrice Hawkins reported that PSG have reached an agreement with Maghnes Akliouche and have opened talks with AS Monaco to sign the French international.

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And it's great news for Liverpool. PSG bringing in both Diomande and Akliouche means the door is clearly open for Barcola to join Liverpool.

With the French side progressing on both the Diomande and the Akliouche deals, it means Liverpool are in the process closing up on their big transfer of the summer in Barcola.

It's an exciting update, and it's one that could leave Liverpool with the last laugh. After all Barcola ticks so many boxes for the Reds.