Paul Merson urges Arsenal to secure Barcola after Trossard sale
Paul Merson believes Arsenal are walking a tightrope on the left wing – and says they “have to” beat Liverpool to the signing of Bradley Barcola after what he calls a major transfer misstep.
Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, have already moved decisively in other areas. Piero Hincapie has arrived to bolster the defence, Illan Meslier to strengthen the goalkeeping department, and Christos Tzolis to add depth in attack. The next move is clear: an elite winger.
With Leandro Trossard sold to Besiktas, the burden on Gabriel Martinelli has grown. Mikel Arteta wants an upgrade in that area, and the club are scouring the top end of the market. The most eye-catching link is Vinicius Junior, with reports that Arsenal are exploring an audacious attempt to prise him from Real Madrid.
Merson isn’t buying it.
“Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He’s playing Arsenal,” he told Sky Sports, cutting through the hype.
For him, the story is less about the likelihood of a Bernabeu departure and more about what the chase represents.
“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 ambition is obvious. The risk, in Merson’s eyes, is just as clear. If Vinicius stays put – as he expects – Arsenal cannot afford to be left scrambling.
“If Arsenal don’t get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola,” he insisted. The Paris Saint-Germain winger is also on Liverpool’s radar, and Merson believes Arsenal cannot lose that 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.”
For Merson, the alarm bells started ringing the moment Trossard was allowed to go.
On the Belgian’s exit, he was scathing.
“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 underlined his frustration with the decision.
“There are a lot of good players but not a lot of good footballers out there. He came under that second category.”
Arsenal’s window has started with control and clarity. Merson’s warning is simple: get Vinicius or, more realistically, get Barcola – or risk turning one bold sale into a glaring weakness in a title defence.
