Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal transfer news: Scouts keeping tabs on Real Betis star Junior Firpo
ARSENAL are reportedly keeping an eye on Real Betis defender Junior Firpo.
Firpo only made his debut for the club in February but he made a major impression in the second half of the season, making 14 La Liga appearances and scoring two goals.
The 21-year-old is capable of playing in multiple positions including centre-back, left-back and midfield.
Firpo is contracted to Betis until 2021 and has a release clause of around £22million.
And according to Spanish newspaper AS, Arsenal and unnamed Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on Firpo’s progress.
Betis are hopeful of renewing Firpo’s contract and increasing his release clause
But the report adds that Betis are hopeful of renewing Firpo’s contract and increasing his release clause to ward off potential suitors.
New Arsenal manager Unai Emery has made two signings already bringing in Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno.
While deals for Lucas Torreira and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are virtually done.
And Arsenal legend Ray Parlour says he wants Emery to be given time to implement his philosophy.
He said: “You've got to be patient and give managers a chance.
"It doesn't change overnight. They will see the change in the team, in the first five games, but it will take time.
"He'll probably want to get rid of a few players and bring a few more in. So I just hope he does get time, I'm sure he will because this has been a massive decision for Arsenal, as a club, to get the right man in.”