According to reports, Barcelona are on the cusp of signing Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo. The Catalans have submitted an improved bid of €27m and hope to reach a compromise.
Junior Firpo was one of the standout performers for Los Verdiblancos last season, netting 3 goals and registering 5 assists in 29 league games. He also had the second-highest amount of touches in the opposition box (86) only behind Jordi Alba.
Barcelona initially had a €20m bid rejected for the Spaniard, with Real Betis slapping a €30m price tag on him. Ernesto Valverde views Firpo as the top target to provide Alba with some stiff competition for the left-back role.
Firpo helped Spain win the European U21 Championship in 2018. He is also being chased by Liverpool and Real Madrid, although Barca have now moved into the pole position for his signature.
Barcelona are set to face Japanese side Vissel Kobe while Real Betis will take on Queretaro in friendly fixtures.
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