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Reported Arsenal and Newcastle target Junior Firpo available for half price fee

Rafael Benitez the head coach (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Junior Firpo’s fine La Liga form for Real Betis has caught the eye of Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Real Betis Balompie defender Junior Firpo (20) celebrates scoring the goal during the match FC Barcelona against Real Betis Balompie, for the round 12 of the Liga Santander, played at Camp...

Real Betis may have to accept a cut-price fee of £26 million for Junior Firpo this summer, as reported by El Gol Digital.

A Dominican-born defender who has played for Spain at U21 level, Junior has exploded onto the scene in La Liga over the last 12 months, establishing himself as one of the divisions most exciting full-backs under Quique Setien at Real Betis.

Junior has scored three goals in 21 games this season with his swashbuckling style and cultured left foot earning him plenty of admirers including, according to AS, Premier League giants Arsenal.

And The Gunners could be in luck. El Gol Digital reports that Junior has a £52 million release clause in his contract but his value has now fallen by half in the last few months.

The 22-year-old has struggled with a series of injuries in the last few months and it is claimed that Betis will now be forced to accept a reduced £26 million fee with those fitness problems damaging his reputation.

Hector Junior Firpo Adames of Real Betis Balompie reacts during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis Balompie at Wanda Metropolitano on October 7, 2018 in...

That fee could make him a more realistic option for Arsenal, who look set to lose Nacho Monreal on a free this summer.

ABC Sevilla reported that Newcastle United are also keen on Junior with Rafa Benitez crying out for a left-back. The Magpies would have to break their transfer record to sign him but owner Mike Ashley has shown a willingness to invest in promising talents with a potential re-sale value, Miguel Almiron being the prime example.

Hector Junior Firpo Adames (R) of Real Betis competes for the ball with Andrew Hjulsager of RC Celta de Vigo during the La Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and RC Celta de Vigo at...