According to ESPN, AC Milan have been joined by West Ham in sounding out the prospect of signing Junior Firpo from Barcelona.
The Camp Nou giants are reportedly receptive to letting the 24-year-old left-back leave, although the ongoing presidential elections at the member-owned La Liga club are complicating the chances of a successful deal emerging.
Barca are keen to raise funds and have identified Firpo as among a number of assets who Ronald Koeman’s side are keen to get off their books. The defender was acquired from Real Betis in 2019 for €20m, but has already found himself an unwanted option at Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona equally are hesitant to let Firpo go without first having a replacement lined up, while the player himself is said to be pushing for a move in search of regular game-time, having played just 351 minutes in all competitions this season.
With West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku expected to be out for a number of weeks following knee surgery, Aaron Cresswell is now David Moyes’s only natural left-sided defensive option.
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A young yet mature transfer target, Firpo retains significant potential to improve and build up future resale value.
He also cuts the mould of a modern full-back. Indeed, the 24-year-old has a better passing accuracy rate (91.1%) this season than any player at West Ham, and could be a progressive defensive option.
He could be an ideal alternative to the Irons’ current left-backs and may come at a relatively affordable rate, given Barcelona’s apparent willingness to sell.
