Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to lock horns over Real Betis wing-back Junior Firpo, claims talkSPORT.
The 22-year-old scored in Betis’ stunning 4 – 3 win at the Camp Nou with only the second goal of his nascent career. It caught the eye of watching scouts from the Premier League clubs, as well as Serie A outfit Torino.
The Italians have been tracking Junior for some time. However, with the English clubs now interested, lack the financial muscle to take them on should a bidding war erupt.
The Spain Under-21 international won’t come cheap. Betis extended his stay in Seville during the summer which contains a £43.5m release clause. City’s interest means it is likely that prospective buyers will need to meet that fee to obtain his signature.
Neither English club has flinched when the fee was quoted.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is keen to strengthen the left side of his defence with Spaniard Nacho Monreal the wrong side of 30 and Sead Kolasinac, after a string of injuries, yet to show the consistency which saw him included in the Bundesliga team of the year for 2016-17.
Manchester City are, however, likely to be offered first refusal by Junior’s agent. His name? Pere Guardiola…
