Manchester City target Bradley Barcola has reportedly been valued at £43 million by his club Lyon.
City are on the lookout for a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left last week to join Al Ahli.
It has been reported that Raphinha and Michael Olise are potential options for Pep Guardiola.
But it was also suggested by RMC Sport that the club were closely following Lyon youngster Barcola.
Barcola has seriously impressed over in France since making his debut for Lyon in November 2021.
He’s not been a regular starter. But the exciting young forward has made some really impressive cameos for his side and has started to attract attention.
But if City genuinely want him, he will not come cheap.
Manchester City learn £43 million asking price for Bradley Barcola
According to RMC Sport yesterday, Lyon are now demanding £43 million for any sale of Barcola this summer.
The French gem currently has interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who will surely be a threat as the biggest club in France.
PSG have actually made a first bid for Barcola, as had been expected. But they are way short of the asking price having only offered £25 million.
RMC Sport suggest that Barcola would be open to making that particular move.
It remains to be seen if City fancy making a move of their own.
Currently, the Treble winners have just a couple of options to play on that right wing in Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.
But Pep Guardiola has also lost Ilkay Gundogan, and the feeling has been that one of Foden or Bernardo will be more of an option to play in the middle.
£43 million a lot to pay for Barcola
So Lyon are looking for £43 million to sell Barcola – and it’s definitely a huge asking price.
Barcola is still very inexperienced so City have to decide whether his potential is worth that much.
There will be players out there who are a little older than Barcola and just as talented if not more.
But there is no denying that Barcola has a very bright future.
He’s all about being direct, and previously he has stated that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of his big influences. He told Onze Mondial a few years ago: “I have almost the same game as him and especially the same style. I enjoy watching Aubam’s videos. His speed and quality of finish impress me’.
Quite possibly, Guardiola might just see something in him.
But the Spaniard may also feel that it could now be Cole Palmer’s time to shine for City. The English youngster has often come on for Mahrez in games and is perhaps the most natural and convenient replacement.
