While Barcelona were caught up in the whole Neymar affair this summer, they were also getting plenty of business done elsewhere.
One of the lesser-known players to arrive, alongside the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann, was Junior Firpo.
The youngster arrived in a €16m deal from Real Betis as Barça signed up the long-term replacement for Jordi Alba at left-back.
It seems he was not only the only Betis player they were eyeing up, though, with Mundo Deportivo reporting they also had their eye on the player occupying the other full-back position, Emerson.
According to Mundo, Barcelona contacted the player this summer to ‘warn’ him he was their replacement for Nelson Semedo.
Barça chiefs knew there was not much money to play with, given the big deals they were doing, and viewed the 
20-year-old would fill the void left by Semedo.
Nothing came of the interest as Semedo stayed at the Nou Camp, but Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona contacted the Betis man twice and did not look at any other potential replacements either.
Technically Barça already own Emerson, having signed him in a joint venture with Betis back in January, and have an option to sign him fully for €6m should they wish and on this evidence, that is something which could happen sooner rather than later.
Betis are said to be well aware of the situation.
