On September 12, as Milan were coming from two goals down against Lazio at the Olimpico, with Moreira on fire, a Rossoneri representative was in Spain, travelling to Granada with a specific objective: to get a closer look at Dylan Rodriguez, the 2007-born midfielder owned by the Andalusian club. That day, Granada faced Albacete in the Segunda División in a match that ended 1-1. Rodriguez, however, remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
According to Gazzetta.it, the player who instead caught the scout's attention was 17-year-old Owen Emeka. A Spanish right winger of Nigerian descent, he made a strong impression in that match, prompting AC Milan to begin following him with interest. The Rossoneri like the player, although there are currently no negotiations. Real Madrid have also gathered information and are monitoring the 2009-born talent, while Granada have set his release clause at €15 million.
AC Milan on Owen Emeka:
Emeka came through Granada's youth academy and last season, with the Under-19 side, helped them reach the semi-finals of the Spanish championship, where they lost to Real Madrid in extra time. The young forward was among the standout players in that match, and someone at Granada evidently decided it was time to test him at senior level.
The response was immediate. Promoted to the first-team squad this season, which competes in the Segunda División, Emeka has already made six appearances, starting three of them, and has scored his first professional goal.
That goal came against Albacete and perfectly showcased some of his qualities: control, physical strength to protect the ball, dribbling past two opponents and a finish at the near post. It was an individual effort that made him the second-youngest goalscorer in Granada's history, at 17 years, four months and 23 days. Not a bad calling card.
Shortly afterwards, against Leganés, Emeka came close to scoring a second goal, only to see his effort hit the crossbar. Granada clearly believe in the youngster, having handed him a contract extension until 2031 last April.
In Andalusia, some have compared him to Jude Bellingham because of his physical build and height. During this international break, he also received a call-up to the Spain Under-18 squad, which is preparing for the World Cup in Qatar, beginning on November 19.
Two other details complete his profile: Emeka celebrates his goals with a celebration reminiscent of Franck Kessié's, including a military salute, and according to the online edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, he is represented by a female agent.
Dylan Rodriguez is also on AC Milan's radar
The Rossoneri scout, however, had travelled to Granada specifically to watch Dylan Rodriguez, and the midfielder remains on AC Milan's radar.
Born in 2007, the left-footed Rodriguez is a central midfielder with dynamic characteristics for Spanish football. More of a box-to-box player than a pure playmaker, he can operate in several roles: as a mezzala, an attacking midfielder and, if necessary, even as a left winger.
His point of reference is Pedri, although the two players have different characteristics. Rodriguez joined Granada a year ago and recently renewed his contract until 2028.
So far, he has had considerably less first-team playing time than Emeka, with just 24 minutes to his name, all coming as a substitute against Eibar. However, he also stood out in last season's national Under-19 championship, reaching the semi-finals against Real Madrid, as pointed out via Milan News.
That match also brought attention to Rodriguez for a less positive reason: he was sent off for protesting after a penalty was awarded to Los Blancos.
The trip to Granada had a specific purpose, but it led to an unexpected discovery for AC Milan. Emeka experienced one of the most important days of his young career without knowing that, in the stands, there was a Rossoneri scout who had travelled to monitor another player.
AC Milan are highly interested in the 2009-born talent. His release clause is set at €15 million, although it is not out of the question that Granada could eventually consider a lower figure. For now, however, there are no advanced negotiations.
Should AC Milan decide to make a move, the idea would initially be to place him in the second-team squad, allowing him to develop without rushing his progress while keeping the door open to the first team in the future.
Emeka has not even turned 18 yet, but he is already making waves in Spain. AC Milan discovered him almost by chance, Real Madrid have already shown interest, and Granada have secured his future until 2031. If the Rossoneri decide to make a serious investment in the young talent, they may therefore need to move early.
