Michael Ball hails Everton transfer target Emerson
Former Everton left-back Michael Ball has hailed Real Betis right-back Emerson amid reports linking him with a move to Goodison Park in the summer.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Everton for a while and the club pursue a move for him in the coming months as they’re eyeing a replacement for Seamus Coleman.
Currently out on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona, the 22-year-old has impressed manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has labelled him as an ‘important’ member of his squad.
Discussing his potential arrival at Goodison Park, Ball told Football FanCast, “Emerson, for Real Betis, a Brazilian. Everton have got a lot of Brazilians at the football club. Whether that’s a link, I’m not too sure. It’s a position I think would be a priority for the club.
“Moving forward for the next couple of years, we need to sort of filter Seamus out and bring the next generation through.
“[Emerson’s] got the potential and it’s the right fit for a Marcel Brands type of signing. Young, got resale value in the future, but also got the quality to make an impact straight away.”
Can we get him?
When asked about whether or not Betis would look to extend his loan deal or sign him permanently, Pellegrini was coy.
Per Milan Reports he said, “Emerson is important to us but he has a contract with Barcelona and him. It is legally necessary to stay with him.
“We’ll see what happens but legally it is up to Barcelona to get the player back. The talks are grounds for future business.”
Mundo Deportivo reported that Barca have recently turned down a €15m (£13m) bid for the player from PSG and AC Milan also have previously had an offer rejected.
Reports from Spain hint that the only reason their offers were rejected was the finances, and should a club match Barcelona’s valuation of the player, they wouldn’t stand in his way.
He’s a talented and young full-back who’s impressing for Betis and has been one of the reasons why they’re in 6th place.
With us pulling out of the Max Aarons race, per Fabrizio Romano, Emerson seems like the next best option and we should explore the possibilities of signing the player.
In other Everton news, Report: Toffees keen on signing Champions League winner on loan, player open to move
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