Arsenal ‘closely monitoring’ Bellerin replacement but Barca could scupper deal

Arsenal reportedly have their eyes on two Real Betis players, with a right-back now joining defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez on their summer radar.

As we reported earlier on Tuesday, the Gunners are ready to “push hard” for Argentina star Rodriguez. The combative midfielder has enjoyed an impressive campaign but has a termination clause of €80m in his contract. However, he is not the only Betis star being monitored by Mikel Arteta.

Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) states that the north London side are also after following full-back Emerson Royal as well.

The report claims that Arsenal are ‘closely monitoring’ the player ahead of a potential summer swoop.

However, Emerson’s situation in Seville is a complicated one. When he signed from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro a pre-agreed two-and-a-half contract was signed which then gives Barcelona the option to sign him.

The Catalan giants need to make their decision over the defender this summer. If they do decide to sign him it will cost €6million, plus €3m in add-ons.

To make things even more confusing, Betis would still retain 20% of the player. That figure would become 50% if Barca decide to sell before January 2022 – to stop them from generating a profit from a quick sale.

The report adds that Betis are fully aware of Arsenal’s interest in Emerson. However, they have no clue if Barcelona will activate their option for a deal, given Sergino Dest’s performances recently.

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If Barca do sign the player, Transfermarkt claims they could demand as much as €25m on a future sale.

The Gunners are in the market for a new right-back, with stalwart Hector Bellerin set to move on this summer.

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Prem duo chasing Arsenal attacking target

Meanwhile, Everton and Leeds are both looking to complete the free signing of Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez this summer, it has been reported.

The Arsenal target, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season. He has rejected the offer of a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu as it doesn’t meet his wage demands. 

He has been a regular starter for Los Blancos in 2020/21. But with the end of the campaign in sight, he looks set for a move in the transfer window.

According to reports, the Toffees and the Whites are both considering his signing. Mundo Deportivo claim that Everton have put an offer ‘on the table’.

Leeds are also a contender to sign him, with Sport revealing how much they will have to pay in wages to convince him.

Vazquez is one of Madrid’s lowest earners despite being a prominent player for a number of seasons. He has made 22 LaLiga appearances so far this campaign.

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