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 joined Liverpool this summer for £123 million. Carragher believes the Gunners missed a golden opportunity to strengthen their squad on the left wing after failing to secure top targets like Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez.

Barcola Signs for Liverpool After Arsenal’s Lack of Pursuit

The French winger recently committed to a five-year deal at Anfield, becoming one of the season’s most expensive transfers. Although Arsenal had shown interest in Barcola earlier in the transfer window, they ultimately turned their attention elsewhere, clearing the path for Andoni Iraola’s side to clinch the signing.

Arsenal’s search for a world-class left winger has been ongoing for two summers, but their efforts have repeatedly fallen short, leaving that area weaker compared to other attacking positions.

Carragher Questions Arsenal’s Strategy

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

While new arrival Christos Tzolis has started well at the Emirates, Carragher insists Arsenal should have aimed higher by securing a marquee player like Barcola, especially after missing out on Vinicius Jr and Alvarez.

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

Arsenal Faces Left Wing Challenges Ahead

The club’s failure to add a standout winger comes at a tough time. Two key left-sided attackers from last season have departed: Leandro Trossard completed a move to Besiktas, and Gabriel Martinelli is close to a £60 million switch to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

With those exits, manager Mikel Arteta must rely on his current squad as Arsenal prepares for an important Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.

Next fixtures:

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