Quantcast
Home   >   News   >   Pundit left stunned by Arsenal’s decision not to sign Barcola

Pundit left stunned by Arsenal’s decision not to sign Barcola

By on September 4, 2026

Bradley Barcola

Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher has been surprised by Arsenal’s decision not to sign Bradley Barcola.

Although the Gunners won the Premier League title last term, they struggled to score goals from open play. So, it was thought that they would purchase a few top-class forwards.

However, despite selling Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, the North London club only bought Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. So, Mikel Arteta currently has fewer attacking options than he did last season.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez this summer. But while the Englishman decided to join Chelsea, the Brazilian opted to stay at Real Madrid by signing a fresh term. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid eventually managed to keep hold of the Argentinian international.

Now, speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football (via Metro), Carragher says that although he is happy to see Barcola joining Liverpool, he is surprised by Arsenal’s decision not to make a push to secure his services.

The Emirates club currently lack quality on the left flank compared to other positions. Although Tzolis has enjoyed a promising start, Arsenal needed a new left-winger and Barcola might have been a perfect acquisition had they managed to purchase him.

Carragher said:

“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, [Kai] Havertz.

“The new kid [Christos] 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 [signing Barcola] not the one?”

Pundit surprised by Arsenal’s decision not to sign Barcola

The 24-year-old is a right-footed left-winger by trait. He is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and is efficient in creating opportunities for fellow attackers.

The Frenchman showcased his productivity for Paris Saint-Germain over the last two seasons, making 41 goal contributions across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign.

He even helped Les Parisiens win three Ligue 1 titles, two Champions League trophies and several other major cup competitions. Having proven his worth in club football, the youngster has secured his place in France’s star-studded squad.

Meanwhile, after not signing anyone else but Tzolis to bolster the left flank, Arteta has used Eberechi Eze thus far to support the Greek international.