The Barcola impasse and what comes next

Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola has been going on long enough to feel like a subplot that never quite resolves itself. The issue is simple: Paris Saint-Germain want £145million for their winger, and that valuation is proving to be the wall the Reds cannot yet get over. Whether Liverpool eventually break through or walk away, Andoni Iraola needs wide reinforcements sooner rather than later, with a demanding domestic and European schedule bearing down on the squad.

Iraola has already moved decisively this summer, bringing in three players at a combined cost of £85million, including Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet, with Ronald Araujo also arriving on loan from Barcelona to shore up the defence. The manager has shown he is willing to act quickly. If Barcola remains out of reach, the club has alternatives to consider, and some of them are genuinely compelling.

The names Liverpool could turn to

Gabriel Martinelli sits at the top of the realistic list. The Arsenal winger recently lifted the Premier League title but is reportedly available for £42million, with Galatasaray having already tabled a £38million bid. According to The Athletic, Martinelli is not keen on a move to Turkey, and is understood to prefer a destination within England or in one of Europe's elite leagues. At that price point, with that profile, he would represent serious value compared to Barcola's asking price.

Then there is Rayan, a name already linked with Liverpool given his close working relationship with Iraola during the manager's final months at Bournemouth. Iraola handed the teenager his opportunity at the Cherries following Antoine Semenyo's departure to Manchester City, and what followed was remarkable. Rayan went from a relatively unknown face in the south of England to representing Brazil at the World Cup, all at just 19 years of age. The personal connection between manager and player could prove decisive in accelerating any potential deal.

Kenan Yildiz offers a different kind of versatility, capable of operating across the front line and in the number ten role behind the striker. The 21-year-old registered 17 goal contributions for Juventus last season and has attracted serious interest, with Calciomercato reporting that Arsenal identified him as their primary target after missing out on Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid. An offer in the region of £86million would reportedly be required, but Liverpool potentially stealing that one from under Arsenal's noses would be a very satisfying afternoon's work.

The long shots and the intriguing ones

Nico Williams extended his contract with Athletic Club last summer, signing a ten-year deal, yet his £78million release clause keeps his name in circulation. Arsenal are also monitoring him as they look to add firepower to their attack. His asking price is considerably more manageable than Barcola's current valuation, which may make him a more practical route for Iraola to explore.

And then there is the wildcard. Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United remains unresolved after a season-long loan at Barcelona that also included temporary spells at Aston Villa. His place in Michael Carrick's squad is still uncertain following his falling out of favour under previous manager Ruben Amorim. No player has transferred directly between Liverpool and Manchester United since 1964, which makes this one ambitious in the extreme. But stranger things have happened in football, and if the opportunity is genuine, sentiment rarely puts money back in the bank.

Liverpool's summer is far from finished, and whichever direction the club moves in the coming days, the window is not done with Anfield just yet.