Report: Emery and Arsenal open talks for Emerson, Spurs and Pochettino also keen

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Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo have claimed that Arsenal and Unai Emery’s Villarreal have opened talks to sign Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal this summer – while Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG are keen.

Emerson, 22, is set to come to the end of a two-year loan spell at Real Betis – after both Betis and Barcelona joined to sign the one-time Brazil international from Atletico Mineiro. Barcelona need to pay a small fee to re-acquire him.

But they are expected to cash in on the right-back. It is believed that Arsenal and Emery’s side – who knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League last week – have opened talks to sign the South American flyer.

Having starred for Betis over the two seasons and clocking up 15 goal involvements in 76 games, Emerson also has admirers from Tottenham, PSG, Bayern Munich and Milan. Football London say he is rated at £21.5million.

TBR’s view – Is Emerson worth the attention?

At 22, Emerson is quickly emerging as one of La Liga’s best right-backs. He has it all – pace, strength, aerial ability but also the nous to create and score goals when going forward. Given his age, he is easily worth £21.5million.

Hector Bellerin was excellent against Chelsea but he went off injured and that sums up his Arsenal spell. The Gunners need a new right-back, but not as much as Tottenham – with Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty struggling.

Spurs need him more, but both clubs could do with Emerson.