Paul Merson Urges Arsenal to Sign Barcola After Trossard Exit
Arsenal have spent the summer sharpening the spine of their squad. Piero Hincapie at the back, Illan Meslier in goal, Christos Tzolis added to the attacking options. Solid, sensible business for the Premier League holders.
But in Paul Merson’s eyes, they’ve left one gaping hole.
Left Wing
The left wing.
With Leandro Trossard sold to Besiktas, Mikel Arteta is hunting a top-level wide player, and the market knows it. Arsenal have been linked with a long list of wingers, from realistic targets to fantasy names. One of those fantasy names, Merson believes, is Vinicius Junior.
“Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He’s playing Arsenal,” Merson told Sky Sports, cutting through the excitement around the story.
For him, the very fact Arsenal are even in that conversation says everything about their rise under Arteta.
“This is where Arsenal are now. This is the market they’re in,” he said. “Arsenal are looking to buy someone from Real Madrid, one of the top players. It just shows you where Arsenal are in the market. It’s a big worry for all the other teams in the league, in my opinion.”
The message is clear: Arsenal are shopping at the very top table. But Merson doesn’t think Vinicius is actually on the menu.
And that’s where Bradley Barcola comes in.
“If Arsenal don’t get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola,” Merson insisted. With Liverpool also circling the PSG winger, he believes Arsenal cannot afford to lose that particular battle.
“They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left. They left themselves very short in that position. And if Arsenal don’t get Vinicius or Barcola, then it’s a major worry.”
It’s not just about depth. It’s about the type of player Arsenal have allowed to walk out of the door.
On Trossard’s departure, Merson didn’t hold back.
“For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you’re selling,” he said. “He went for literally nothing. I can’t believe that half the Premier League weren’t after Trossard. He played in all the big games for Arsenal last season and he’s a brilliant footballer.”
Then came the line that underlines his frustration.
“There are a lot of good players but not a lot of good footballers out there. He came under that second category.”
So Arsenal stand here: Premier League champions, financially powerful, operating in the rarefied air of Real Madrid-level targets, yet one misstep on the flank away from looking light in a crucial area.
If Merson is right, the next move on that left wing – Vinicius or, more realistically, Barcola – won’t just shape a transfer window. It could decide whether Arsenal stay a step ahead of Liverpool and the rest, or hand them a way back in.
