Paul Merson has criticised Arsenal's transfer strategy, claiming Vinicius Junior is 'playing' the club and urging them to switch their focus to Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Vinicius Jr transfer saga
Reports last weekend identified Vinicius as Arsenal's top summer target, with Mikel Arteta reportedly 'smitten' by the prospect of signing the 26-year-old. Vinicius has entered the final year of his Real Madrid contract after extension talks broke down following last year's Club World Cup. However, Arsenal suffered a setback when it emerged Vinicius would prioritise a renewal at the Bernabeu, and Jose Mourinho is said to be opposed to losing the Brazilian. Real Madrid have scheduled fresh talks with Vinicius' camp, with Arsenal's move for the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up believed to be dead.
'Vinicius Junior is just looking for a new contract at Real Madrid. He's playing Arsenal,' wrote Merson in his Sky Sports column. 'But this is where Arsenal are now. This is the market they're in. Arsenal are looking to buy someone from Real Madrid, one of the top players. It just shows you where Arsenal are in the market. It's a big worry for all the other teams in the league, in my opinion.'
Merson urges Barcola move
Arsenal have also been credited with interest in Barcola, with Arteta keen to reinforce his attack. PSG have reportedly placed a £145m price tag on the Frenchman. Merson believes Arsenal have no choice but to target Barcola instead. 'If Arsenal don't get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola. 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.'
Trossard departure criticised
Merson also criticised Arsenal for selling Trossard to Besiktas. 'For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you're selling. 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.'
Arsenal's squad is currently in Italy preparing for a pre-season friendly against Girona, followed by matches against Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como. Their first competitive test is the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16, and they begin their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City five days later.
