Arsenal made a late move for Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo on Monday’s transfer deadline day, according to RAC1.
The publication’s Gerard Romero has claimed that the Gunners called their Spanish counterparts to suggest a deal for the full-back.
Mundo Deportivo has backed up the paper’s claims by saying the Catalan giants would’ve been happy to let the £9m-rated defender leave for the right offer.
Should Arsenal have signed Junior Firpo?
Yes
No
Have the Gunners missed a trick by not recruiting the services of the young defender? Arsenal have been woefully short on left-backs since the departure of Sead Kolasinac way back at the beginning of the January transfer window.
It has led to Cedric Soares playing at left-back in place of the injured Kieran Tierney and it’s fair to say, the Portuguese defender was exposed ruthlessly during last weekend’s draw at home to Manchester United.
In the first half of the encounter, Marcus Rashford was playing out on the right-wing and used the space afforded to him by the Euro 2016 champions to great effect as he bullied the defender. There was a slight improvement in the second period from Soares, however, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wasn’t watching the clash between the pair from between their fingers.
We have seen what using square pegs in round holes has done for the north London outfit so far this campaign after the team’s dismal start to the year. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the club’s best goalscorer, has been left stranded on the left-wing for the majority of the season and has scored just five times in 17 games. His ineffectiveness raises eyebrows over how misused he has been this season.
It seems Arteta has this thing for trusting players outside of their natural position. The former Southampton man is a capable right-back, but, having him feature on the left will cause more harm than good especially when you take a look at the games Arsenal have coming up.
In other news, Paul Merson has voiced his shock this Arsenal ace didn’t leave the club.
