Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo is being targeted by Real Madrid as a replacement for Marcelo, according to AS, with the Madrid incumbent reportedly attempting to force a move to Juventus.
Marcelo’s form has dipped in recent months and there has been plenty of speculation regarding for his preference to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo again, with the duo having been close friends, and enjoyed a productive on-field relationship, while they were team-mates for Los Blancos.
Junior has caught the eye this season for Betis, starring under manager Quique Setien as the Seville club have been in the thick of the race for European places – with Betis still retaining a shot of qualifying for the Champions League, as they’re just four points behind fierce rivals Sevilla in fourth. They’re also locked in a tight battle to reach the Europa League round of 16, having gotten a 3-3 draw in the away leg of their round of 32 tie against French club Rennes ahead of Thursday’s home leg.
The 22-year-old has created 21 chances in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, with three goals and two assists.
His contract contains a €50million release clause, which should not be too much of an obstacle for Madrid, though they will face competition for Junior’s signature. Arsenal and Manchester City are both rumoured to be interested in the Spaniard.
