Everton appear to be in the market for a new right-back this summer after opting to not sign loanee Djibril Sidibe on a permanent basis and they could soon have an upgrade in the role…
What’s the word?
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the Toffees have tabled an offer for Barcelona and Real Betis’ co-owned defender Emerson but the La Liga giants have rejected their advancements.
It’s claimed that Carlo Ancelotti’s men proposed a two-year loan deal with a €20m (£18m) option to buy but Barcelona want €32m (£28.5m) for his services.
Emerson would like to play at the Nou Camp, though if he’s unable to break into Ronald Koeman’s side, then he’ll look for somewhere that could offer him European football.
Upgrade?
The 21-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign in La Liga this term where he provided three goals and six assists whilst averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 0.9 key passes per game, via WhoScored.
Being a Brazillian who is contracted to Barca, there have been unsurprising comparisons made to Dani Alves as well as the legendary Cafu, who the right-back models his game on.
“I have some things from Daniel Alves and others from Cafu. I am very focused on working and being like or better than them. Cafu is an idol for me and I look at Daniel a lot too. I do some similar things so that three or four years from now I can win as Daniel or Cafu did.”
Currently, Ancelotti has skipper Seamus Coleman in the role whilst he could bring in Jonjoe Kenny back into the equation after a successful spell with Schalke 04 but none seem fit for a European charge more than Emerson.
The Irishman averaged fewer in all aforementioned facets whilst he only delivered one assist in 27 Premier League appearances.
For £28.5m, Everton could be getting a long-term option at right-back, which is why Marcel Brands absolutely must push to seal this deal.
AND in other news, Toffees to battle with Newcastle and Aston Villa for talismanic striker…