Aston Villa are reportedly in talks over the possible signing of Flamengo full-back Emerson Royal.
The 27-year-old has gained plenty of experience across spells with Real Betis, Barcelona, Tottenham and AC Milan, while he featured 21 times for Flamengo this past season.
Albeit he didn’t entirely convince during his previous spell in England, it seems as though he has been identified as a potential transfer target for Unai Emery and Villa this summer.
Subscribe to Talk Villa+ below for ad-free weekly newsletters, exclusive articles and much more sent directly to you. The TalkVilla podcast is also now available, have a listen, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or YouTube. UTV!
According to ESPN Brazil, Villa are said to have submitted a €9m offer for the Brazilian international, but it’s suggested that Flamengo haven’t made a decision on his future as of yet as they also weigh up their own financial issues in terms of trying to balance their books.
In contrast though, The Athletic report that while Villa are in talks with the Brazilian side over the possibility of signing Emerson, they suggest that no formal offer has been made as of yet and so it remains to be seen if Villa do step up their pursuit.
What is clear is that we certainly do need to add competition and depth at right-back this summer, not only to continue to push Matty Cash after a stellar season last year, but also to allow him to rest and avoid injuries across the course of a gruelling campaign.
The Athletic add in the report above that both Andres Garcia and Kosta Nedeljkovic are expected to move on this summer while talented Villa youngster Triston Rowe is likely to move out on loan again after a positive stint with FC Annecy last year, and so that means there is a requirement for a new right-back ahead of next season.
Question marks will likely be raised over the fee touted for Emerson as well as his age and previous doubts over his ability to produce at a high level in England, but if Emery feels as though he could be an ideal solution and he will no doubt help him improve his game, then adding a proven option at right-back could be a smart move from the club.
