Jamie Carragher’s three Arsenal “joke” signings – and how one has proved him wrong

Jamie Carragher criticized Arsenal’s transfer strategy by calling three of their previous signings “a joke.” 

However, the Gunners have now improved and are challenging for the title, thanks to their shift in approach towards signing younger players.

 This shows the progress they have made, especially after a challenging period during Mikel Arteta’s early tenure, when they targeted established players who were no longer needed at their current clubs.

In December 2020, Jamie Carragher maintained his position that Arsenal had made a mistake in their transfer dealings. Mikel Arteta inherited a team that lacked coherence, as it was assembled by previous managers. 

Therefore, Arteta sought to leave his own imprint on the squad. He brought in Willian on a free transfer after Chelsea decided not to renew his contract, and Cedric Soares joined from Southampton without a transfer fee.

 Meanwhile, David Luiz was signed from Chelsea by Unai Emery just a few months prior to Arteta’s arrival.

Carragher previously said on Sky Sports: “I really like Mikel Arteta. There’s a lot of nonsense around the club – bringing players, buying players. I think some signings were a joke. In terms of bringing Willian in, [David] Luiz in, Cedric [Soares] in. Is Kia Joorabchian making signings at the club?”

The former Liverpool man echoed that stance on the Overlap as he said: “Why are you buying rejects from Chelsea who are over 30, giving them big deals and then you can’t get rid of them. That’s not a mistake, that’s a mistake before it’s happened, its just stupid.

“David Luiz has gone for nothing, Willian will go for nothing and you’ve taken a load of dough out of your club and you’re left with nothing. Chelsea got the best out of them and then left Arsenal have them.” Carragher also questioned why there was any optimism about Willian making the move across London to the Emirates.

Hits and misses

Out of the three players that Jamie Carragher criticized, one has departed the club, another is currently out on loan, and the third is now playing for another Premier League team and doing well. 

The player who is thriving in his new club is Willian, who has made a strong impact at newly-promoted Fulham.

Willian, who was unable to replicate his Chelsea form, left Arsenal by mutual agreement and returned to Brazil to play for Corinthians. 

However, after a year, he was brought back to England by Fulham, where he has scored three goals so far.

 David Luiz also left Arsenal and returned to Brazil, where he is expected to finish his playing career with Flamengo. 

Cedric Soares, on the other hand, is still part of Arsenal’s team, but he is currently on loan at Fulham alongside Willian. Despite being named in Arsenal’s squad at the beginning of the season, Cedric has only played twice in the Premier League before moving to Fulham, where he has appeared in both the Premier League and FA Cup matches.

Jamie Carragher’s three Arsenal “joke” signings – and how one has proved him wrong