Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign Bradley Barcola after Trossard exit

Paul Merson believes Arsenal have backed themselves into a corner on the left wing – and that the only way out now is to beat Liverpool to Bradley Barcola.

Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, have already moved early in the window, bringing in Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. Solid business, smart additions. But the real hole in Mikel Arteta’s squad, Merson argues, is still glaringly obvious.

They need a left winger. A top one.

Trossard out, pressure on

Leandro Trossard’s sale to Besiktas has changed the tone of Arsenal’s summer. What looked like a deep, well-balanced forward line suddenly feels exposed on one flank, and Merson is adamant the club have misjudged it.

“For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you’re selling,” he told Sky Sports.

“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.

“There are a lot of good players but not a lot of good footballers out there. He came under that second category.”

In Merson’s eyes, Arsenal have weakened a crucial area for too little return. With Gabriel Martinelli still inconsistent and Trossard gone, the margin for error in the market has shrunk dramatically.

Vinicius chase “shows where Arsenal are”

Arsenal have been linked with an ambitious move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, a pursuit that underlines how far the club’s transfer profile has risen under Arteta.

“Arsenal are looking to buy someone from Real Madrid, one of the top players. It just shows you where Arsenal are in the market,” Merson said.

“It’s a big worry for all the other teams in the league, in my opinion.”

But he doesn’t believe the story is straightforward. In fact, he suspects Arsenal are being used.

“Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He’s playing Arsenal,” Merson claimed.

The implication is clear: while the links flatter Arsenal and excite supporters, they may ultimately serve the player’s leverage in Madrid more than Arteta’s plans in London.

Why Barcola becomes a must

If Vinicius proves unattainable – or was never truly available – Merson sees only one logical response from Arsenal: move decisively for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, a player also admired by Liverpool.

“If Arsenal don’t get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola,” he insisted.

“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.”

That is the crux of Merson’s concern. Arsenal’s recruitment in other areas may be tidy, but the title holders are heading into a new season with a clear imbalance if they fail to land an elite wide option.

The champions have raised their transfer sights to Real Madrid level. Now the question is whether they can turn that ambition into a concrete signing on the left – or risk seeing a key piece of their title defence left to chance.