According to ESPN, Southampton have made contact with Barcelona over the availability of Júnior Firpo, who was also wanted by Arsenal.
It is said that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have asked about the 24-year-old, but they will have to fend off a number of Serie A sides if they’re to sign him.
Barcelona paid €20 million (£17.3 million) to sign Firpo from Real Betis.
However, ESPN claim that the left-back is now among those up for sale at the Camp Nou this summer.
ESPN add that AC Milan tried to sign him in January, while Mundo Deportivo wrote that Arsenal did as well.
The Gunners made a late swoop for the defender on Deadline Day, although a switch to north London never materialised for the Dominican Republican.
There could be something of a transfer merry-go-round involving Southampton and Arsenal this summer.
ESPN state that Southampton are eyeing Firpo as a replacement for Ryan Bertrand, who is soon to be leaving St Mary’s.
Interestingly, the Daily Mail revealed that Arsenal were in advanced talks with Bertrand.
With Kieran Tierney the undisputed first-choice left-back, there is no need for Arsenal to break the bank to sign a new option in that area.
Signing an experienced, cheap option as backup is certainly the way to go for the Gunners, even if supporters might feel a bit underwhelmed signing Southampton’s unwanted goods.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
