Arsenal move for Emerson Royal amid Barcelona transfer uncertainty

Arsenal and their right-backs. Arsenal and their Super League. So much to unpack and in such a short space of time, it’s impressive how transfer news even has the chance to poke its head up for breath. It’s still filtering through, and Emerson Royal remains in the picture.

It’s been discussed extensively over recent months, ever since news came to light of Hector Bellerin’s now inevitable summer departure, as the varying form of Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares reopened the debate.

It may be that Arsenal stick with what they have to suit their finances and let Bellerin leave, although all the reports state that even with the impressive form of Chambers, a new right-back will be signed. Achraf Hakimi is the one heavily rumoured to be within the Gunners’ sights, despite the changing football landscape risking their chances being even more limited.

One player whose name has already been mooted is Emerson Royal, a player previously profiled on this site with, it’s fair to say, huge excitement.

Arsenal move for Emerson Royal amid Barcelona contract uncertainty ahead of summer transfer window

The Real Betis right-back is the hybrid central midfield profile that Arsenal need to acquire in the summer, and while Chambers has proven himself to be capable in a very small sample size, an upgrade in quality is needed.

As per Fichajes, Arsenal will step up their interest in the Brazilian as they seek to pounce on the uncertain contract situation he has. Co-owned by Betis and Barcelona but due to move to Ronald Koeman’s side in the summer if they activate a €6m fee (it’s an interesting scenario), his situation is described at ‘not yet defined’, with Barcelona supposedly reluctant to bring him to Camp Nou and open to other options.

Betis would obviously like to keep hold of him but may be priced out of a move as they are in need of raising funds themselves to balance the books – remember all that Nabil Fekir stuff?

Arsenal have a player here who is perfect for Mikel Arteta’s system and will not break the bank to acquire. In any case they will need to come to a conclusion soon enough with Paris Saint-Germain also keen on a move and sides across the continent familiarising with his excellent skillset.

His signing must be explored.