Everton are interested in signing Emerson Royal from Real Betis

Everton are interested in signing Real Betis defender Emerson Royal according to a report from Fichajes.

Barcelona are believed to be keen on the right-back while Arsenal also view the Brazilian as a potential replacement for Hector Bellerin.

Everton are in need of a right-back this summer and have been linked with Max Aarons and Kieran Tripper in recent weeks.

Everton

Emerson, who is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has missed just four league games this term and has helped Real Betis to record a run of just one defeat in 15 La Liga matches.

Fits the bill

In recent matches Carlo Ancelotti has deployed a back five and given freedom to Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman to bomb forward.

It is a formation that suits our players as we have several strong options in central defence and it also allows Richarlison to play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin up-front in a role that gives him more influence in attack.

The one area in most need of an upgrade is the right wing-back role, and that is where Emerson comes in.

Everton

The 22-year-old is blessed with “raw pace” and that would allow him to bomb up and down the right flank.

A return of four assists shows he can contribute in the attacking final third while 2.7 tackles per game [WhoScored] indicate he is defensively astute.

He has performed well in a good Real Betis side this year and he has plenty of years ahead of him to improve.

The only downside is his potential fee given Barcelona and Arsenal’s interest, but we have to be prepared to spend big if we want to make the Champions League.

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