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Atletico join Emerson race
Tuesday, 23 March 2004
by Mark Kendall
Reports in Spain claim that Atletico Madrid are lining up a move for Roma's Brazilian midfielder Emerson.
Los Rojiblancos have identified a holding midfielder as their top summer transfer target, and the Roma playmaker is reported to have emerged as their preferred choice.
Atletico are hoping to take advantage of the Italian club's difficult financial predicament to secure a cut-price deal for the South American who is also a target for Chelsea and Internazionale.
Emerson is under contract with Roma until 2005 but with the player unlikely to sign a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico, the Giallorossi could be forced to cash in on him before he becomes a free agent.
Spanish daily AS claims that Atletico despatched their director of sport Toni Munoz to Rome last month to sound out the player over a move to the Spanish capital.
They claim Los Rojiblancos were interested in signing Emerson when he played for Bayer Leverkusen but failed to reach agreement with the Germans over a price for the player.
Atletico boss Gregorio Manzano has demanded a 'pivot' midfielder to bolster his squad, a role which the ageing Diego Simeone has been largely charged with this season.
Alternatives to Emerson are believed to include Rangers' Mikel Arteta, but Atletico fear the SPL giants will demand a huge fee to prise the midfielder away from Ibrox, leaving the Roma star as their priority |
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发表于 2004-3-17 23:52:00
发表于 2004-3-24 17:09:00
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