Paul Merson has criticised Vinicius Junior for using Arsenal to secure a new contract at Real Madrid and urged the club to redirect their efforts towards signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola for £145 million.
Vinicius Junior transfer blow for Arsenal
Widespread reports last weekend identified Vinicius as Arsenal's primary summer target, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly 'smitten' by the prospect of bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates. Vinicius has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Real Madrid, and discussions over an extension broke down after last year's Club World Cup. However, the Gunners suffered a major setback when it emerged that Vinicius would prioritise a renewal at the Bernabeu, with Jose Mourinho vehemently opposed to losing the Brazilian superstar.
It is understood that Los Blancos have scheduled a fresh round of talks with Vinicius' camp in the coming days, effectively ending Arsenal's pursuit of the 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up.
Merson: Vinicius is playing Arsenal
'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.'
Arsenal urged to sign Bradley Barcola
The Premier League champions have also been linked with Barcola in recent weeks, as Arteta seeks to reinforce his attack with a world-class talent. PSG have reportedly placed a £145 million price tag on the Frenchman, but Merson believes Arsenal have no choice but to shift their focus. 'If Arsenal don't get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola,' he added. '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.'
Merson criticises Trossard sale
According to Merson, Arsenal may regret selling 'brilliant footballer' Leandro Trossard to Besiktas. 'For them to let Trossard go is not good business in my opinion – not for what you're selling,' he said. '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 pre-season schedule
Arsenal's first-team squad are currently in Italy preparing to face Girona on Saturday. They will then travel to Dublin to play Real Betis, followed by a double-header at the Emirates against Borussia Dortmund and Como. The Gunners' first major test of the new season comes on August 16 against Manchester City in the Community Shield, with the Premier League title defence beginning five days later at home to Coventry City.
