Arsenal Eyeing €50m Rated Real Madrid Target
180218, Fotboll, La Liga Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Real Betis vs Real Madrid - Estadio Benito Villamarin, Seville, Spain - February 18, 2018 Real Betis' Junior Firpo celebrates after Real Madridâs Nacho scores an own goal and the second for Real Betis as Cristiano Ronaldo looks on dejected REUTERS/Jon Nazca © Bildbyrn - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY
According to recent reports, Arsenal are ready to offer Real Madrid competition for 22-year-old left-back, Junio Firpo.
The European champions are willing to pay his €50m release clause and consider him to be a long-time successor of Marcelo.
Unai Emery have been busy scouting talents to further Arsenal’s talent pool. The Spanish head coach admitted that additions in the January window are necessary in order to finish in the top four.
The left-back position has been somewhat problematic for the Gunners. Both Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac has fallen in and out of action due to injury. Neither of the two are in good form with the latter still distinctly lacking in his defensive responsibilities.
Emery’s outright concerns should be to sign a winger and a centre-back this winter but a fullback could be beneficial as well. The cards are stacked against Unai Emery in this particular case due to Madrid’s greater financial capacity, but more importantly for Firpo’s words regarding his future.
“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.”
Firpo plies his trade for La Liga side, Real Betis and has won one cap for the Spanish U21 side.