Ipswich Town are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer, and a bid has been submitted for Toulouse star Emersonn.
The Bulldozers are looking for a new striker ahead of their return to the Premier League, with AFC Bournemouth's Daniel Jebbison also interested, and BBC Radio Suffolk reporter Graeme McLoughlin has stressed the importance of strengthening the forward line.
McLoughlin said: “Obviously a proven goalscorer is needed. The current squad have 14 Premier League goals between them, with captain Dara O'Shea and George Hirst joint top of that chart with three each.”
Emersonn moved to Ligue 1 from Turkish Super Lig side Goztepe last summer, and impressed in his first campaign, described as one of the French club's “outstanding” players by ESPN's Luiz Carlos Largo.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
It is imperative that Ipswich get another striker through the door, considering George Hirst finished the 2025-26 campaign with just 11 goals in 42 Championship games. If Gary O'Neil's side are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation, they will need a reliable goalscorer. |
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Finance |
Rivals Hull City have made a £22.3m bid for the Brazilian striker, suggesting Ipswich may need to fork out big to secure a deal for the forward. However, they have expressed their willingness to spend big, having discussed a £26m deal for Lille defender Alexsandro. |
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Understanding |
The Toulouse star scored six goals and provided two assists in 27 appearances in his first season in Ligue 1, a modest return. However, he is still only 21 years old, which means there is plenty of time to develop. |
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Impact |
The youngster's experience in a major European league means he may be a more suitable choice than Hirst to lead the line. The move will also push Chuba Akpom further down the pecking order, as the 30-year-old scored just two goals in the Championship last season. |
Ipswich make a bid for Emerson
According to a report from Sky Sports, Ipswich have now sent an offer to open for Emersonn, who will also host Hull City in the Premier League.
The Tigers have already made a £22.3m bid for the South American, but now face competition in the race for his signature.
Why Ipswich need to sign an experienced striker and Emersonn
The former Goztepe man enjoyed a fine campaign in France, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but his lack of experience in the Premier League means he could be a dangerous signing for the Tractor Boys, at least as their main striker.
There have been suggestions Liam Delap could make a surprise return to Portman Road, and the Chelsea striker could be a better fit, having scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich in the 2024-25 season.
One thing that is clear is that O'Neil needs to improve his attack, with Hirst scoring just three Premier League goals in the 2024-25 campaign, and his performances last season do not indicate that he is ready to step up again this time around.
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