Theo Walcott has urged Arsenal to prioritise signing Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers over Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, who is valued at £112 million. The former Gunners forward believes Rogers, already proven in the Premier League, would be a safer bet for Mikel Arteta's side as they aim to retain their league title and advance in the Champions League.
Walcott's preference for Premier League experience
Speaking at the launch of Amazon Prime Day, Walcott said: "I like the idea that we'll go for someone who's tried and tested in the Premier League. So I like Morgan Rogers. Is he a left winger? Is he a 10? Will that affect Eze? Either way, Mikel's a great person to integrate him into the team if he comes." He added: "I like players that are in the Premier League then go to a Premier League team, because we know what we're going to get and he's going to get better because he's going to be with better players."
Concerns over Barcola's adaptation
While acknowledging Barcola's quality, Walcott expressed doubts about his ability to settle quickly in England. "Barcola at PSG, I mean he's outstandingly quick. He would give Gabriel Martinelli a run for his money. So I like him, but then there's always that factor of can he do the Prem, and the patience element," he said. Drawing a comparison to Angel Di Maria's stint at Manchester United, Walcott noted: "Yes, there were pockets and moments, but it's just having that time. You don't get that time anymore."
Other left-wing options considered
Walcott also mentioned Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Crysencio Summerville as interesting prospects. "I like young Kroupi at Bournemouth too. I think he'd be an interesting one to keep an eye on. And I've always liked Summerville as well, and I know he's had a really good World Cup. I just love the fact he expresses himself. He reminds me of that little kind of Eden Hazard type or maybe like Raheem Sterling, off the left."
Arsenal's transfer priorities
Mikel Arteta has reportedly made signing a left winger his top priority for the 2026/27 season. Arsenal are set to hold talks with Aston Villa over a potential fee for Rogers, who is said to be eager to move to the Emirates Stadium. The club also holds interest in Barcola but is unlikely to meet PSG's £112 million valuation.
Amazon Prime Day promotion
Walcott was speaking at the launch of Amazon Prime Day, running until Friday, June 26. He surprised Prime members by delivering packages across London. Reflecting on his own shopping, he said: "I have a guard dog and he goes through constant treats... We have these drinks called Dash, it's like a sparkling flavoured drink can, and they are pretty much any flavour under the sun. So we're going to get a shedload of those."
