Unai Emery is looking to add Junior Firpo to his squad and increase the squad depth as his side battles for a place in the top four.
Arsenal have been monitoring Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo for a while now. The Spanish International has been turning the heads of several clubs including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
According to the reliable Spanish publication AS, the Gunners are showing genuine interest on the defender and are willing to trigger the release clause which is believed to be 50 million Euros in the January transfer window.
Besides, Pep Guardiola’s side is looking to add the 22-year-old to their roster in the upcoming month. However, these two clubs need to battle the Los Blancos who are firmly the favourites to lure the left back to Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish left-back also featured in the Europa League breakthrough eleven.
😉 This XI will give you a game…
💫 #UEL breakthrough team of 2018 💫 pic.twitter.com/6CP4GwTpgt
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 27, 2018
It will be an interesting tussle as two of the three interested clubs are in need of a left-back who could be effective on a long-term basis.
The Los Blancos are constantly searching for a left-back in the transfer market after being left with only Marcelo in that particular department. Pep Guardiola is having selection headaches following the injury to the only left-back Bernard Mendy.
Goal journalist Sam Lee quoted that Firpo is in Manchester City’s wishlist.
Firpo, Ghoulam and maybe Chilwell, but I’ve no idea to what extent
— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) December 27, 2018
Unai Emery already has two left-backs at disposal – Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal. But, the latter is ageing and has lost pace which is forcing to feature as the centre-back.
It remains to be seen if the Gunners will be making to move for Firpo in the winter transfer window. But, the Spaniard Monreal’s contract with Arsenal expires during the next summer forcing Emery to think about the quality through the left-flank.
Kolasinac is a decent defender at its best and has always had errors in him. But, someone like Firpo, who has a great track record of attacking and defending showcase will prove to be a great buy for Emery.
Arsenal have leaked 25 goals in the first 19 games in the Premier League, making them the second poorest defence in the top seven, only second to Manchester United.
The Gunners are capable of controlling the game, but when the opponent bursts forward with a breakneck pace, their defenders struggle to cope up with it as the midfield easily gets overrun.
The goals against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup is a clear example of their calamities at the back. Their defence can be easily split open by the midfielders who possess the great vision to feed the forwards.
Left-back should be one among the positions Emery needs to address. The lack of composure shown by the defenders at times has cost them.
The defender also spoke his admiration for Real Madrid in a recent interview, “I’m drawn more to Madrid, my Dad’s a madridista. When I first came to Spain, Madrid were the only team we watched on TV at home. So I’ve always felt stronger about Real Madrid”
Despite this interview, it remains to be seen where he would decide to join with three clubs running behind for his signature.
