Report: Arsenal want Emerson Royal as Bellerin replacement

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Arsenal will press ahead with plans to try and sign Emerson Royal this summer, if they do indeed lose Hector Bellerin in the transfer window.

The Gunners’ interest comes in the midst of local rivals Spurs also being keen on the full-back. Estadio Deportivo reporting a few weeks back that Jose Mourinho was keen on the Brazilian.

And now, that same publication claim that Arsenal are ready to pounce for Emerson, should they lose Bellerin. Estadio Deportivo suggest the Gunners want the right-back in the summer as the ideal replacement for the Spaniard.

Royal, who is partly owned by Barcelona and Real Betis, is said to be one of a number of players the Catalan club are open to selling. Their financial situation has left them needing to clear the decks a bit this summer.

Emerson has been a regular for Betis this season, impressing in La Liga. A move to the Premier League could well appeal to the defender, especially if Bellerin does leave and that regular starting spot becomes available.

TBR View: Arsenal might want Emerson Royal but competition bound to be fierce

The fact other clubs are already interested suggests the Gunners aren’t going to be getting it all their own way here.

He is said to be commanding a fee of around £22m, something Spurs were apparently put off by when making initial contact.

However, Emerson is a good player and would seem ideal should Bellerin go. As long as the Gunners don’t pay over the odds here, they could well have a top player in their sights.