Spurs in talks over Arsenal target, he's 'one of the best'

Spurs are trying to negotiate a late deal for Arsenal target Emerson Royal, according to The Telegraph.

Tottenham reportedly want the Barcelona right-back to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s defensive options.

The Gunners, meanwhile, were linked with Emerson just last week.

David Ornstein claimed in The Athletic that Arsenal are ready to swap Hector Bellerin for one of two La Liga right-backs.

One of those is Emerson, and the other is Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Tripper, claimed Ornstein.

Going back to The Telegraph, Spurs have reportedly been exploring whether Emerson is available on an initial loan.

With Serge Aurier seemingly surplus to requirements, Tottenham could do with bringing in competition for Japhet Tanganga and Matt Doherty.

Spurs are apparently already in negotiations with another purported Arsenal target on Barca’s books – Ilaix Moriba.

Spurs and Arsenal target Emerson – the story so far

Emerson was born in Sao Paulo in 1999 and played for several clubs at youth level before coming through the ranks at Porte Preta in 2016.

He made his debut in 2017 and, the following year, joined Brazilian giants Atletico Mineiro, making 23 league appearances.

Emerson was on the move again in 2018 when Barcelona came calling.

As part of a joint deal between Barca and Real Betis, the 22-year-old would play for the latter club first, for two seasons.

The Blaugrana held the option of buying him outright for €6million in 2021, which they recently took up.

Emerson was a regular for Manuel Pellegrini last season and helped Betis reach the Europa League, providing 10 assists in the process.

“He’s one of the best full-backs in the league, he’s been called up by Brazil despite all the competition,” Ronald Koeman said about Emerson.

“He’ll bring us a lot physically and fits our way of playing.”