Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Betis right-back Emerson to replace Hector Bellerin this summer.
The Gunners are concerned that they may lose Bellerin, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mikel Arteta's side have been 'closely monitoring' Emerson in recent months and view him as an ideal replacement if their vice-captain were to leave the club this summer.
However, Emerson's situation is complicated due to the unusual terms of his exit from Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro to Spanish outfit Betis in February 2019.
Both Betis and Barcelona agreed to pay around £5.1m in a joint deal, which means the 22-year old is current 50% owned by the two clubs.
Emerson is due to move to the Catalan club this summer when they pay their share of the transfer fee, plus a further £2.5m in add-ons.
Barca's new president Joan Laporta is reportedly keen to go through with the transfer, which could thwart any potential move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are also believed to be interested in Inter Milan's Achraf Hakimi and Brighton & Hove Albion's Tariq Lamptey as possible alternatives to Emerson.
Oliver Thomas
