Lyon's French forward Bradley Barcola celebrates his goal. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Lyon are willing to sell their talented star Bradley Barcola for a swap deal plus a fee, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain interested.
The Blues have stepped up their interest in signing a Lyon forward but will face competition from PSG after the Ligue 1 club agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old.
With an injury to Christopher Nkunku and missing out on the signing of Michael Olise, the Blues are hoping to add more options to their attacking line, and Barcola seems to fit the bill.
The Lyon star is dynamic and can operate on either of the wings, and Chelsea need a number 10 who can be the final piece in Mauricio Pochettino’s jigsaw puzzle. Carney Chukwuemeka played in that position in the 3-1 loss against West Ham United and even scored a brilliant goal.
But he isn’t really a natural No. 10 and plays more in central midfield. Pochettino has also spoken about Chelsea making new signings after their 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, but they are looking to find an ideal profile to suit his style.
For PSG, it might be unknown who they use in a swap deal for Barcola, but Chelsea have plenty of fringe players to use in a makeweight deal to land the youngster.
This deal makes good sense for us because we can offer a few players in this swap deal. If Barcola wants a more competitive team that can challenge in the Champions League and play in one of the toughest leagues, then joining Chelsea will be a wise decision for him in the long run.
Although signing for PSG is also a great option, history says they have not shown enough competency in big competitions like the Champions League, which Chelse have won twice. Moreover, we have a team and coach here that if focussed on trusting youngsters.
However, it’s his decision in the end. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku are two evidently expendable players we have, but would we want to use them? and would Lyon have a place for them? Time will tell.
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