Barcelona ink deal for Brazil U-20 defender Emerson

RIO DE JANEIRO - Barcelona have reached a deal to sign Brazil U-20 right back Emerson Aparecida, the Catalan club announced on Thursday.

The 20-year-old will join the Blaugrana on a five-year contract in July after Brazilian top-flight club Atletico Mineiro agreed to a 12 million-euro transfer fee.

"In his country, he has been likened to former Barca star Dani Alves being the typical Brazilian wing back who likes to go forward and support the attack," Barcelona said in a statement on the club's official website.

Emerson made 23 league appearances in his debut season for Atletico last year.

He is currently representing Brazil at the South American U-20 championship in Chile and will spend the next five months on loan at Spain's Real Betis, Atletico Mineiro said on Thursday.