Jamie Carragher Criticizes Arsenal for Missing Out on £123m Liverpool Winger After Failing to Land Vinicius Junior

Jamie Carragher has voiced strong criticism towards Arsenal for missing the chance to sign winger Bradley Barcola, who recently joined Liverpool in a £123 million deal. He argues that this was a significant missed opportunity, especially after the club failed to acquire other key targets like Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez.

Barcola's Transfer to Liverpool

Barcola, a French international, committed to a five-year contract with Liverpool this summer. Although Arsenal showed early interest, they eventually stepped back, allowing Andoni Iraola's team to secure the player without much competition.

For two consecutive summers, Mikel Arteta has sought a top-tier left winger but has repeatedly missed out on his preferred choices, leaving the squad's left side less fortified compared to other positions.

Carragher Questions Arsenal’s Strategy

"I’m happy it didn’t happen but I was looking at the Barcola thing," Carragher said on the Stick to Football podcast. "For me with Arsenal, left wing has always felt like where the drop is compared to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz."

He also pointed out that despite the promising start of new signing Christos Tzolis, Arsenal should have aimed for a more high-profile addition like Barcola, especially after failing to land Vinicius Junior or Alvarez.

"The new kid Tzolis has made a decent start," Carragher remarked. "But the longer the Barcola thing went on, and then Arsenal didn’t get Vinicius Jr or Alvarez, I was thinking is that [signing Barcola] not the one?"

Left Wing Departures and Upcoming Challenges

The situation worsens as Arsenal has lost key players in the left-wing position. Leandro Trossard has moved permanently to Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli is close to a £60 million transfer to Saudi Pro League's Al-Hilal.

Arteta now depends on his remaining squad members to keep the team's momentum going. Their next Premier League fixture is a vital London derby against Chelsea, scheduled for this weekend.

• Premier League Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool - 4 Sept 2026, 21:00
• Premier League Fixture: Arsenal vs Chelsea - 6 Sept 2026, 17:30