According to Mundo Deportivo, Everton ‘have taken an interest’ in Emerson this summer. The 21-year-old left Atletico Mineiro last summer and signed a joint-deal with Real Betis and Barcelona. Sport Witness explain that he was due to spend two years on loan at Betis but may be sold by Barca just one year into his stint.
The Catalans have Emerson until 2024 and can sign him fully for €9m (£8.11m), so they’ll be looking for bids that help them turn a profit. Emerson is currently valued at £16.2m, but it remains to be seen if Everton will lodge an official bid given they have Seamus Coleman, Djibril Sidibe and Jonjoe Kenny on the books.
Should the Blues bring in a new face, it’s likely to be at the expense of one of the trio – Coleman turns 32 in October, Sidibe may not be signed permanently and Kenny wants to stay at Schalke. Everton have been linked with Jesus Corona, Santiago Arias, Ola Aina and Bouna Sarr as potential replacements, but Emerson would be a quality addition.
The Brazilian scored three goals and made five assists from right-back this season, which is more assists than Richarlison and Bernard, so he would bring a real attacking threat. Time will tell if Everton’s alleged pursuit if successful, however.