John Barnes says Arsenal missed out on one Liverpool star in transfer dig

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Liverpool legend John Barnes has aimed a dig at Arsenal’s recruitment policy.

The former winger has claimed that Arsenal are not operating at the same level as the Reds in the transfer market.

Despite the fact that Mikel Arteta spent heavily in the recent summer transfer window, John Barnes believes that the Gunners missed one major signing opportunity which Liverpool were able to take advantage of.

The 79-cap ex-England international is referring to Liverpool’s £60 million capture of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Speaking on This is Anfield, Barnes said, “who would’ve known much about Dominik Szoboszlai beforehand? I’m sure [Manchester] City wouldn’t have looked at him or Arsenal, but with the way he plays in terms of what we want, that’s what we do, so yes it’s pleasing and it’s not a surprise, and we are well in the title challenge.”

Did Liverpool outdo Arsenal in the transfer window?

So far this season, Szoboszlai looks to have been an inspired acquisition. The 23-year-old midfielder has chipped in with three goals and three assists for the Merseyside outfit and has caught the eye with his all-action displays.

However, Arsenal did invest in their own midfield contingent in the summer. The Gunners paid a club-record £105 million fee to secure the services of Declan Rice. The 24-year-old has already established himself as an integral figure at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal fans believe he is already living up to his price tag.

Arsenal also shelled out £65 million to prise Kai Havertz away from Chelsea. The German took a while to truly establish himself in north London and came in for plenty of criticism. However, he has recently hit a rich vein of form and now looks to be full of confidence and ready to shine on a consistent basis.

Szoboszlai is undoubtedly a good player, and was a smart signing for Liverpool to make. However, it seems naive to suggest that Arsenal, or Manchester City for that matter, were blind to his quality prior to his arrival on these shores. Many clubs will have taken a look at the Hungarian, but no club can sign all the players that they admire. Arsenal will be happy with the business they chose to do.

Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City currently look set to be locked in a tight, three-way title race. The true quality of each club’s recent recruitment will come to light at the end of the campaign when a champion is crowned.