Emerson Royal is Arsenal’s perfect Hector Bellerin replacement

Arsenal have identified Emerson Royal as Hector Bellerin’s replacement, seeing him as the ideal player to come in and perform the tactical role Mikel Arteta wants.

The future of Hector Bellerin had been the source of endless speculation way before the current campaign, with links to clubs across Europe having become one of the routine segments of the winter and summer periods in north London.

Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Barcelona have been the usual suspects when it comes to potential destinations for the Spaniard, with the former once again leading the chase as the talk heats up.

It was revealed back in February that Bellerin was keen on a change of scenery at the end of the season, having come close to departing the club during the previous summer. While the 25-year-old holds the club close to his heart, he feels that a new challenge at this stage of his career suits.

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Arsenal identify Emerson Royal as perfect Hector Bellerin replacement – tactical insight shows why he fits

Supporters are mostly in agreement. Bellerin’s performances have dipped this season after a solid spell, and the decision to omit him from the squad to face West Ham in the most recent Premier League outing, despite not carrying an injury, only intensifies the likelihood of a transfer.

With two years left to run on his deal come that time, Arsenal have the chance to cash in on one of the few valuable assets they have in the squad, and Bellerin has the opportunity to seek pastures new at a good age.

In such an eventuality, a replacement is being sounded out with Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey among those sitting highest on the club’s list.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, another target has been identified in the form of Real Betis’ Emerson Royal. The Brazilian only joined Manuel Pellegrini’s side in February 2019 from Atlético Mineiro but has emerged as one of the most exciting right-backs in the division.

The move constitutes an presentable one for the Gunners, even if the circumstances of his future situation is unusual.

How Much Arsenal Would Pay for Emerson

Emerson’s deal to join Betis was actually in conjunction with Barcelona. Both clubs agreed to pay Atletico Mineiro €6m (£5.1m), with the 22-year-old due to play the first two-and-a-half seasons with the Seville club before moving to Camp Nou in the coming summer, when Barça would pay their share plus another €3m (£2.5m).

The form of Sergiño Dest has put a potential spanner in the works, as the American nails down his place with La Blaugrana leaving the situation in limbo. Newly appointed president Joan Laporta is said to be keen to follow through with the plans to integrate Emerson.

Essentially, the ball sits in Barça’s court in what is an ‘interesting’ contractual situation. Football Espana even state Barcelona can’t sell him until 2022. It’s a bit of a mess.

Back in January it was reported by SPORT that PSG were plotting a £21.5m deal for Emerson, which not only puts a ballpark figure on his services, but asks questions of their interest in Bellerin.

Arsenal were keen prior to his initial move to Betis back in January 2019, before Arteta’s arrival as head coach. The team employed a different brand of football under Unai Emery but it was apparent then that the Sao Paulo-born defender boasted valuable traits, having been compared to, of course, Dani Alves. Edu clearly wasn’t the only one with eyes on Brazil.

Tactically speaking, Arsenal’s interest makes perfect sense.

Why Emerson is the Right Tactical Profile for Arsenal

Kieran Tierney often assumes the role of the most advanced full-back when Arsenal are in possession, and when he does so, the opposite full-back tucks into midfield to pick up one of the midfield three options.

Against West Ham this 3-3-2-2 shape came into effect to aid Arsenal’s build up, similar to a system Pep Guardiola adopts with Manchester City.

This setup asks one of the full-backs to tuck in – it can vary with both also doing so – a tactical desire that Arteta appears to be warming to. It isn’t a regular feature, and fluctuates depending on the opposition’s tactical approach, but is a growing trend in the modern game that Arteta favours.

In essence, it asked the right-back to be able to perform a central midfield role and be involved in progression through the thirds. Emerson is a player who can do just that.

https://twitter.com/Emerson_Royal22/status/1373224604282589187

Fleet-footed, his technical ability in that area of the park shines. He often drifts into that position under Pellegrini, where he can utilise clever movement in central areas. Raw pace make him an effective attribute in wide triangles, and his engine ensures he charges up and down the right flank repeatedly.

When it comes to his impact near both boxes, he has great delivery both in the form of early crosses and byline overlapping ones, while ten assists and and five goals in 69 outings for Betis is a healthy return for someone of his position.

Against West Ham – an example purely based on recency – Calum Chambers grew into the game as he pushed further up. He wasn’t providing the width early on, and when he offered a fifth lane of attack Arsenal really turned on the style. Emerson has made 138 progressive carries in La Liga this season, a figure only topped by five other defenders, which while different to simply providing an option, demonstrates a willingness to be an instigator in build up.

Defensive traits are key, and his 2.8 tackles won per 90 minutes in La Liga is bettered by only other defenders in the division (WhoScored). Furthermore, no player across the whole 2020/21 season in Spain’s top-flight has made more tackles and interceptions than Emerson’s 117. Not even Casemiro.

It’s little wonder Arsenal are keen as his profile both excites and suits. He’s got a strong physical presence and at only 22 years of age has plenty of scope for development and improvement. Financially is where the sticking point will come, as will needing to meet the homegrown quota, but it’s a move that makes sense from numerous angles.