Jamie Carragher Criticizes Arsenal for Missing Out on £123m Liverpool Winger Bradley Barcola

Jamie Carragher has voiced strong criticism of Arsenal for failing to pursue winger Bradley Barcola, who joined Liverpool in a £123 million deal this summer. The former player and pundit feels the Gunners missed a major chance to strengthen their squad, especially after missing out on other top targets like Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez.

Barcola Joins Liverpool After Arsenal’s Hesitation

The French international completed a significant transfer to Liverpool, signing a five-year contract at Anfield. Earlier in the window, Arsenal had shown interest but eventually chose to focus their efforts elsewhere. This allowed Andoni Iraola's side to secure the double Champions League winner without much competition.

Mikel Arteta has sought a top-tier left winger for two consecutive summers but has repeatedly lost out on key attacking players in that role.

Carragher Questions Arsenal’s Transfer Approach

"I’m happy it didn’t happen but I was looking at the Barcola thing," Carragher shared 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 acknowledged new signing Christos Tzolis' promising start but remained convinced that Arsenal should have pushed harder to secure a high-caliber player like Barcola.

"The new kid Tzolis has made a decent start," Carragher said. "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 Worsen Arsenal’s Situation Ahead of Chelsea Clash

The club’s failure to land a marquee winger becomes more critical considering recent departures from that position. Leandro Trossard has left permanently for Besiktas, while Gabriel Martinelli is close to sealing a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Arteta now must rely on the remaining squad as Arsenal prepares to face Chelsea in an important Premier League London derby this weekend.

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