Spurs play hardball in Emerson Royal transfer negotiations

Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this summer; however, the North Londoners would not mind keeping the Brazilian ace at N17 beyond the ongoing window if they are unable to agree on a reputed fee to initiate his exit, per BBC Sport.

Over the past few days, reports about Emerson Royal’s move to AC Milan have compounded as the former Real Betis defender closes in on a dream transfer that could prove beneficial for all parties involved. Reports by the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport state that the San Siro side have already pre-agreed on a five-year deal worth €3 million per year with the South American ace and a move could just be a matter of time.

Emerson Royal transfer stalemate

The report suggests that the Lilywhites are holding out on a €25 million fee while the Italian side is offering a €18–€20 million fee, including bonuses for Emerson’s services this summer. The Rossoneri are hopeful of concluding a possible transfer in the next couple of days, as they target getting the defender by the time they start their pre-season training camp on Monday.

However, any possible move is based on whether Milan would come through on Spurs’ asking price, and BBC Sport relays the same, suggesting that Daniel Levy would not mind keeping hold of the former Barcelona man for one more season if the Serie A side cannot pay up the asking price. Spurs are not looking to accept any cut-price deal.

Tottenham have secured Archie Gray, and it would be extremely surprising if they kept hold of Emerson beyond this season. This looks like club-generated news to pressure Milan into paying up Spurs asking price for the Brazilian.

However, if they actually decide to keep him, Emerson could be useful depth in multiple positions due to his Swiss knife-esque abilities to play at right-back, left-back and in central defence.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Serie A club do not want to spend more than €17m to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender
• Tottenham talks with Serie A club collapse as clubs fail to agree cut-price deal
• Tottenham Hotspur make contact to sign £50 million Ligue 1 talent this summer

We will see how Levy reacts if Milan leaves the negotiation table owing to the pricing point, which at this moment looks highly unlikely.