Transfer News: Atletico Madrid interested in Tottenham Hotspur star Emerson Royal
According to The Sun, Atletico Madrid are looking to take defender Emerson Royal off the hands of Tottenham Hotspur for the right price this summer to boost their squad.
The Brazilian only moved to Tottenham at the beginning of the current campaign after the club signed him from Barcelona as a defensive reinforcement for the side. Currently, the player and Matt Doherty are the only recognised right-backs in the squad.
Now, it is said that Atletico are prepared to sign him at the end of the season after Royal has seemingly been replaced by Doherty as the team’s first choice in defence on the right flank.
Doherty and Royal have been alternating as the club’s first choice right-backs, with both players unable to nail down the position for themselves. Having started the season being the first pick, Royal has now had to make do with playing understudy to his Irish counterpart.
Price cut for Royal
Doherty has been resurgent in recent weeks, with the former Wolves star starting the last three matches under manager Antonio Conte. Royal got an opportunity to take his place back in the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough last week, but he was unconvincing in the match as Tottenham were knocked out of the cup competition.
Atletico are said to pay around £20m for Royal, which is less than what Spurs forked out for the Brazilian last summer. The defender is also keen on the move if his current club no longer wants him.
Having lost Kieran Trippier to Newcastle United in the January transfer window, there is no surprise that Diego Simeone is looking for replacements for the Englishman in his side. After all, Trippier was an important part of his team that won La Liga last year.
Atletico seem to be looking towards the Premier League once again to add to his squad, and has identified Royal to be the man to bolster his defence. With the player being unconvincing so far in England, perhaps a move away would suit all parties involved.
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Royal’s prior experience playing in Spain for Real Betis is sure to come in handy if Los Colchoneros snap him up in the summer. Despite being a Barcelona player for two years, the Brazilian has barely made many appearances for the Catalan club.
If he leaves for La Liga this summer, then Tottenham would be wise to look for replacements having already lost Serge Aurier last year. There is no doubt that he will go down as a failure in the club’s transfer strategy if we let him go after having him for just one year.
