Barcelona are reportedly interested in Atletico Mineiro full-back Emerson, who is also a target for Liverpool and a dozen other clubs across Europe.

According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Mineiro right-back Emerson is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. Barcelona and Liverpool are the most prominent outfits in pursuit of the Brazilian defensive prodigy, with a dozen other clubs also scouting him.

Emerson initially progressed through the ranks at Ponte Preta before making his way to one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, Atletico Mineiro. At the Independencia, the 20-year-old made steady progress to begin with, making 23 appearances last season, and will be hoping to grow in stature this term.

His talent though, has not gone unnoticed, with Emerson being scouted by a bevy of clubs across Europe, with Barcelona and Liverpool being at the forefront of this group of potential suitors.

The full-back slots haven’t exactly been rumoured to be on Barcelona’s agenda for a long time, not since Nelson Semedo established himself as a force to be reckoned with at the club. With the Portuguese now very much in his elements, the interest in Emerson comes as a bit of a surprise, particularly with Sergi Roberto also being a reliable player.

Attracting the best of clubs. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
Attracting the best of clubs. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

Moussa Wague was also bought last summer, which suggests that the Senegalese is seen as a potential long-term solution at Barcelona. Liverpool, on the other hand, could do with a right-back, with Nathaniel Clyne facing an uncertain future at Anfield upon embarking on a loan spell to Bournemouth this month.

While Joe Gomez is an option for Jurgen Klopp, the young Englishman has been preferred as a centre-back this season, where he might be seen as a long-term solution, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold as the only remaining natural right-back at the Liverpool manager’s disposal, which can be a tricky situation, as observed against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Emerson is thus, a viable target for Liverpool, with the 20-year-old Brazilian creating a long-term right-sided arsenal alongside the English international. Barcelona though, are leading the race to sign the player, as per the report.

Meanwhile, there are a dozen other clubs in addition to Barcelona and Liverpool, who have their sights set on Emerson, most notably being Arsenal, Juventus and Inter Milan. The Blaugrana though, are hoping to tie down the defensive prodigy to the club quickly, even if their interest in his does not make much sense.

It now remains to be seen if Liverpool, or any other suitor, can do anything to turn the player’s head, with the Reds possibly using their Brazilian influence to tempt the 20-year-old. For now, Barcelona are the clear favourites in his pursuit.

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