Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
The north London side are said to be keen on bringing in an extra defensive reinforcement before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday, August 31.
Tottenham Hotspur Step Up Pursuit of Barcelona’s Emerson Royal
Fabio Paratici Continuing to Rebuild Spurs’ Defence
Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici has made it his mission to reshape the Spurs defence since joining the club in June. His extensive list of targets now brings him to 22-year-old Emerson, who could exit the Camp Nou this summer.
Nuno Espirito Santo has deployed a tandem of Japhet Tanganga and Matt Doherty in Spurs’ opening fixtures, while Serge Aurier remains exiled with a move away from north London looking increasingly likely.
The report from The Telegraph claims Spurs are exploring the opportunity to sign Emerson on an initial loan, as opposed to committing to a permanent deal.
Emerson joined Barcelona in 2019 and spent two seasons on loan at Real Betis before the Catalan side activated an option to re-purchase the right-back this summer. The Brazil international honed his craft under former Manchester City and West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini last season, playing 34 games in La Liga as Betis reached the Europa League.
Spurs Have Opening Offer Rejected by Barcelona
Spurs have already made initial contact with Barcelona for Emerson, but have seen their opening offer rejected swiftly.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed the north London side had offered Aurier to the La Liga side as part of a direct swap for the Brazilian.
It is unconfirmed, though, whether there were any monetary attachments to the offer, but as it stands, Spurs will need to continue talks with the Spanish side to come to some kind of agreement before Tuesday’s deadline.
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