Bradley Barcola Situation
• Moussa Sissoko has been trying to renew Bradley Barcola’s contract for the best part of 9-12 months. Talks have been difficult, and it reached a point where both parties agreed to put negotiations on hold so that Barcola and PSG could focus on important fixtures in April and May.
• Soon after the UEFA Champions League final, talks resumed and remain ongoing. The player reportedly told people close to him that he was disappointed not to start a number of important fixtures.
• PSG’s position is clear: renew or we will sell, as his contract expires in June 2028. Personally, I think that is a significant stance for the club to take.
• Barcola’s agent also represents Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué and maintains a good relationship with PSG. The club is also in serious talks regarding Yan Diomande and Maghnes Akliouche, which could further influence the situation surrounding Barcola.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested, but I want to explain Arsenal’s side of the story.
• Andrea Berta made serious enquiries into Barcola’s situation last summer. At the time, Arsenal were informed that the player would stay for at least one more year. Since then, Berta has remained in constant contact with Sissoko and has made it clear that Barcola is of serious interest to Arsenal. He has also asked to be notified if PSG become open to a sale. Should Arsenal make an official approach towards PSG, there will be a further update.
• Arsenal also hold an interest in Morgan Rogers and one other player(sensitive info currently). More on that in due course.
• As always, Andrea Berta is willing to agree personal terms with multiple targets and make a move when the timing suits Arsenal.
Before I sign off, there is something worth noting. Berta is very happy for misinformation to circulate publicly. Berta & Co are busy behind the scenes, and many details remain unknown as Arsenal move silently.
Allow me to provide a free exclusive as an example of that which is unknown. Arsenal made standard checks on Nico Paz. Nico was reportedly left confused following a recent call with Mourinho, although another conversation may be scheduled. Arsenal have also made serious checks on Christos Tzolis, the Greek winger.
My point is that a great deal is happening behind the curtain. Embrace the silence and, as always, choose your sources of information carefully.
HandofArsenal
Wemby’s Net Rating in Finals:
1st Q: +43.1
2nd Q: -11.3
3rd Q: -4.1
4th Q: -14.3
Fatigue is an obvious concern here. He’s fresh in Q1…and devastating. Wears down in Q2, catches breath at halftime, struggles in Q4.
Playing 40 mpg in Finals vs 29 mpg regular season: rough
🚨 Exclusive: Thomas Partey is unavailable to play in Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Canada on June 17 as he has been denied entry to the country. Full story @TheAthleticFC: https://t.co/AzcsWhz4TC
I’m a huge fan of Fernandes. Kind of player who can cover for Rice and partner him. And that flexibility is valuable. Does he have Rice’s super powers? No. He has his own. But enough defensive power to cover when you make tactical adaptations.
We won’t go for Tonali. Too expensive and old to be cover. Bouaddi is a better option.
Or go a different route again like Sangare. MF isn’t the priority for resources though. Right footed attackers and fullbacks are.
I’m a huge fan of Fernandes. Kind of player who can cover for Rice and partner him. And that flexibility is valuable. Does he have Rice’s super powers? No. He has his own. But enough defensive power to cover when you make tactical adaptations.
We won’t go for Tonali. Too expensive and old to be cover. Bouaddi is a better option.
Or go a different route again like Sangare. MF isn’t the priority for resources though. Right footed attackers and fullbacks are.
Mostly out on Herro. Think there's a reason a usually smart org / coaching staff has vacillated on him, don't want to find out what that reason is. Austin Reaves better, Anfernee Simons cheaper.
🚨🔴⚪️ RB Leipzig are set to appoint Martin Demichelis as new head coach to replace Ole Werner.
Deal in place by activating the release clause, as @marca reported. 🇦🇷
🗣️ Morgan Rogers: “One thing I admire about Jude Bellingham?
His ability to shift. He can be a completely different player on a given day. That's the top 1% or even less of footballers.
You look at his defensive actions, they're of a defensive midfielder of the highest level.
His first year at Madrid, he had to score 20 goals since they didn't have a #9. They needed him to be THAT GUY. That ability to switch, people can't do that, you can't teach that.
He can be having a tough game, everyone could be onto him saying he hasn't been great but BEST BELIEVE he's going to have the FINAL SAY 9 times out of 10.”
Yaxel Lendeborg says the players he watches most are Paolo Banchero, Naz Neid, LeBron James and Magic Johnson
I asked about if he like his Dominican LeBron nickname: "I do. I really do. It was really fun trying to keep that legacy."