ARSENAL failed with a Deadline Day swoop for Barcelona defender Junior Firpo, according to reports.
Boss Mikel Arteta had previously admitted that his side are ‘short’ at left-back, after letting Sead Kolasinac leave on loan.
Arsenal target Junior Firpo, 24, has started only one game in LaLiga this termCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
As the clock ticked down, the Gunners also let another option in Ainsley Maitland-Niles depart on a temporary deal – with nobody coming the other way.
According to Catalonian radio station RAC1, however, Arsenal DID try to bring in a replacement.
They claim that the Gunners made an eleventh-hour move for out-of-favour Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo.
The 24-year-old has struggled for action this season, starting only one LaLiga game under Ronald Koeman.
But the Dutchman, 57, recently insisted that he needed to retain the Spanish youth international – at least until the end of the season.
He said: “Junior is with us and he did well in the minutes he has had.
“It depends on what each young player wants, we cannot lose all the players either.
“We need a squad to face the many games that remain.”
Ronald Koeman has decided to keep Firpo… for nowCredit: EPA
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Barcelona’s stance could change come the summer, however, following a reshuffle at board level.
For now, Jordi Alba remains Koeman’s first-choice in the position.
As for the Gunners, Kieran Tierney has established himself as Arteta’s first-choice at left-back.
But with the Scot injured of late, Cedric Soares has filled in.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
