Who is Arsenal and Chelsea target Emerson? Is he worth £8m?
According to a report in Sun Football, Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea have joined the race to sign Brazilian full-back Emerson. The Atletico Mineiro star has been a sensation in the past few months and is attracting huge interest from clubs in Europe.
As per the Sun, the London duo is targeting the right-back and might make a swoop in January. Mineiro are going through some financial problems and may cash in on the 19-year-old if the offer arrives.
That being said, Arsenal and Chelsea are set to bid in a region of £8m to get the defender. The Premier League scouts were present in Emerson’s game against Palmeiras on Sunday. And with the January window around the corner, we can probably expect an offer on the table.
Here’s everything you need to know about the player:
Scout Report – Emerson
Age – 19
Current club – Atletico Mineiro
Position – Right-back
Born in Sao Paolo, Emerson joined the Ponte Preta youth setup in 2015 and was promoted to the senior squad in the following year. He made his debut in a 2-2 draw against Linense.
He was a regular in the starting line-up in the first half of the 2018 season. On 2nd April 2018, the 19-year-old scored his first professional goal, the winning strike in the Campeonato Paulista do Interior final against Mirassol.
On 27th April 2018, the right-back joined Atletico Mineiro. He made his debut for the club on 19th May 2018, and has been a regular starter in the team. The Brazilian was called up to the U20 national team in 2017 for the Toulon Tournament.
Emerson is a right-back who possesses abundance of qualities on and off the ball. He is a tall man (183cm), hence, he can win aerial duels if required, and he also covers the ground more efficiently.
He is rapid, meaning the 19-year-old is a genuine threat with his runs in the opposition half, and his pace allows him to make recovery runs too.
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While Arsenal would be looking to strengthen their right-back slot, with Hector Bellerin being the only first-choice option and Stephan Lichtsteiner not at the club for the long-term.
Chelsea would also be aiming to provide an adequate back up for Cesar Azpilicueta as it is clear that Davide Zappacosta isn’t able to break into the Sarri’s line-up.