Walcott backs Rogers over £112m Barcola as his top Arsenal left-winger target

Theo Walcott has named Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers as his preferred choice for Arsenal’s left-wing recruitment this summer, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, who is valued at around £112 million by the French club.

Mikel Arteta is understood to have made signing a left winger his primary transfer objective ahead of the 2026/27 season, as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League title and push deeper into the Champions League. Rogers, an England international, is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, with the two clubs expected to hold talks over a fee.

Walcott, a former Arsenal forward and Arteta’s one-time team-mate, was unequivocal when asked to choose between the options linked with the club. “I like the idea that we’ll go for someone who’s tried and tested in the Premier League. So I like Morgan Rogers,” he said. “Mikel’s a great person to integrate him into the team if he comes. 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.”

Pushed to make a definitive call, Walcott left little room for doubt. “I’d probably be more inclined to go for Rogers if I was going to pick one. If you had to tie me down, I’d pick Rogers.”

On Barcola, Walcott acknowledged the Frenchman’s obvious qualities but raised questions about the adjustment period any PSG winger might face in England. “Barcola at PSG — he’s outstandingly quick. He would give Gabriel Martinelli a run for his money. But there’s always that factor of can he do the Prem, and the patience element,” he said, drawing a comparison to Ángel Di María’s mixed spell at Manchester United. “You don’t get that time anymore, not even as a manager.”

Arsenal are reported to have genuine interest in Barcola but are unlikely to meet the £112m valuation PSG are said to be seeking.

Walcott also flagged Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville — who impressed at the recent World Cup — as players worth monitoring, describing Summerville as reminiscent of Eden Hazard in the way he expresses himself on the ball.