Arsenal are considering a move for Real Betis defender Junior Firpo.
Unai Emery has already brought in a few defensive-minded signings during the summer in Sokratis, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Lucas Torreira, but it appears the Spaniard is eager to improve his back-line further this winter.
However, the Gunners could face a major stumbling block in attempting to sign Firpo, 22, as his agent is the brother of Pep Guardiola.
Spanish newspaper AS – as reported by The Daily Star – say there are several clubs interested in the left-back following his impressive displays for Real Betis this season, where the Spain Under-21 international has scored twice and created one goal in 11 starts for the La Liga side.
Arsenal and City are said to become the frontrunners for Firpo’s signature due to an alleged £43.5million release clause in his contract, while Torino are also monitoring the situation.
The left-back position will need to be addressed at Arsenal as Nacho Monreal is now 32 and Sead Kolasinac is yet to hit the heights at the Emirates.
Firpo would be an ideal acquisition for the Gunners, but City hold the advantage as the player’s agent is related to Guardiola who also owns 55% of Media Base Sports.