After battling it out for fourth place, it seems the contest between Spurs and Aston Villa has bled into the transfer market with both clubs reportedly interested in promising 19-year-old Fiorentina right-back.
Postecoglou looking to replace Emerson at right-back
Emerson Royal continues to appear as one of the most likely exits out of Hotspur Way this summer.
The rumour mill was started by Fabrizio Romano a number of weeks ago as he claimed that AC Milan are seeking a new right-back this summer with Emerson being ‘high on their list’, further stating that the Brazilian is ‘one of many players expected to leave THFC this summer’ (Fabrizio Romano).
The exit door is reportedly widening now for Emerson as La Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy has claimed that Emerson has reached ‘an agreement in principle for a contract’ with the player himself stating ‘I know Milan are in contact with Tottenham, they asked about me’ (La Gazzetta Dello Sport).
Spurs are also reportedly interested in Vanderson of AS Monaco. Fabrizio Romano stated a week ago that ‘Tottenham are showing interest in Monaco right-back Vanderson’.
Corriere Del Mezzoiorno also revealed on Sunday (23/6/24) that Tottenham have ‘priced the player’ with an ‘auction looming’. The expected price the Ligue 1 side are looking for is rumoured to be around £25.4m (Corriere Del Mezzoiorno).
Tottenham are ‘huge admirers’ of Kayode
An alternative option to Vanderson, if Emerson departs, is reportedly Michael Kayode of Italian side, Fiorentina. HITC report however that Unai Emery’s, Aston Villa, have ‘opened talks’ to sign the right-back who is rumoured to be valued at ‘£25 million’.
The full-back who was formerly at Juventus’ academy, much like Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin, has broken through to La Viola’s first team this season and immediately became a permanent fixture in the team.
He made 37 appearances this season, with 6 of those being in the UEFA Conference League where his team reached the final for the second successive season (TransferMarkt).
HITC reports that not only have Tottenham and Aston Villa been keeping an eye on the young Italian this season, but ‘Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham’ have also scouted Kayode.
Whatever club secures Kayode’s signature is, however, likely to be in the hands of AC Milan, with the Italian giants being interested in Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, as well as Emerson Royal as reported above.
Spurs Web Opinion:
As many fans have hoped, it appears that this summer we may finally be experiencing a major squad clear-out, with Emerson Royal likely being one of the first to leave.
It’s been clear for some time now that Emerson doesn’t play his role at right-back with the pace or dynamism that is required to succeed in that position under Ange Postecoglou.
Kayode and Vanderson suggest that Tottenham are looking for a younger, hungry profile of player to provide competition for Pedro Porro.
This makes sense with Porro being consistent and likely to help guide the apprentice into how to perform his role and there is obviously a precedent for young Italian fullbacks from Serie A succeeding at Spurs with Destiny Udogie being one of the standout stars of this season.
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