Emerson to Arsenal: The Gunners are reportedly interested in the signature of Brazilian right-back Emerson.
The defence has been a cause of worry for Unai Emery this season. Arsenal made two defensive outfield signing in Sokratis and Stephan Lichtsteiner, while signing Bernd Leno in the goal. However, inconsistent performances at the back have led to Arsenal leaking goals at important junctures of the game.
The Gunners might have been unbeaten in 16 games across all the competitions at the moment, but are on a three-match winless run in the Premier League. Arsenal were held to a draw by Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And so, it comes as no surprise that various reports are linking Arsenal with a defensive signing in the January transfer window.
The latest name to pop-up in the long list of potential signings is Atletico Miniero’s youngster, Emerson, who plays as a right-back for the club. But Arsenal are not the only club interested in the signature of the Brazilian footballer.
Emerson to Arsenal:
The 19-year-old right-back made his senior debut for Atletico Miniero only this season. However, the two London clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea, want to acquire the services of the player in January.
Arsenal and Chelsea are tracking Atletico Mineiro’s young prospect Emerson,
Both Premier League clubs have been taking a keen interest in 19-year-old Emerson, who is a right-footed defender.[O Tempo ]
— Chelsea (@ouggi) November 16, 2018
According to reports from media outlet O.Tempo, both the clubs are interested in the defender. It is also being reported that Atletico Miniero are financially weak at the moment and may look to sell Emerson at a cheaper price to raise funds.
El zaguero central del Atlético Mineiro, Emerson, es pretendido por dos poderosos clubes de Europa: Chelsea y Arsenal.
El futbolista brasileño de 19 años es uno de los mayores prospectos de la ‘Verdeamarelha’. pic.twitter.com/LDipY9alPB
— Omar Arias Suárez (@omararsu) November 16, 2018
The report suggests that the Brazilian side may consider a fee in the region of 8 million pounds for the player. The Premier League scouts were also reportedly in attendance to watch Emerson play during Atletico’s 1-1 draw against Palmeiras.
Only seen very few games of Emerson from Atlético Mineiro, but his defensive attributes is something catching, especially for a Brazilian right-back. Always goes into 50-50 challenges with confidence. Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal and Chelsea have been watching him.
— Aswin (@Zizouology) November 15, 2018
Arsenal currently have Hector Bellerin as their first-choice right-back at the club, who has been impressive for Unai Emery in the last few weeks. Stephan Lichtsteiner was the new arrival earlier this season, who has been covering up for Bellerin in his absence.
Arsenal are closely watching right-back Emerson of Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilian club are in financial difficulty and the sale of Emerson could give them breathing room. [@otempo] #AFC pic.twitter.com/VQLPhhVp5s
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) November 15, 2018
What next?
Earlier, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Atalanta defender, Gianluca Mancini as well. The 22-year old has been a key figure in the central defence for Atalanta, and reports in Italy claimed that Arsenal’s scouts were in attendance during the side’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan last weekend to watch Mancini.
The defender scored the second goal for Atalanta, which gave the side a lead in the match.
