Tottenham transfer news: Emerson agent confirms Atletico talks after Levy intervenes over replacement

The agent of Emerson Royal has spoken about his client’s Tottenham future at a time where Daniel Levy is personally heading up the pursuit of a potential replacement.

Emerson, 23, arrived from Barcelona last summer for a fee in the region of £25.8m. The Brazilian was the preferred selection at right wing-back under both Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, though struggled to produce the type of form that earned him the move.

Indeed, there has already been talk of his position being one Spurs will seek to upgrade this summer.

Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence is their primary transfer target at present.

Sky Sports revealed the £5m discrepancy in the two clubs’ respective valuations that has prevented a breakthrough thus far. Boro want £15m prior to add-ons, while Spurs value the player at closer to the £10m mark.

However, Spurs supremo Daniel Levy has reportedly personally intervened to accelerate proceedings. With the player high on the idea of joining Tottenham, it is a deal that looks like it can be made in the coming days and weeks.

Whether Spence would compete with Emerson or force him out entirely remains to be seen. Matt Doherty is also on the books, though there’s been little talk of an exit for the Irishman.

Emerson has been linked with Spanish side Atletico Madrid who are still searching for a suitable replacement for Kieran Trippier following his January departure to Newcastle.

Now, speaking to the Spanish press, Emerson’s father – who doubles up as his agent – has shed light on the latest on his son.

Emerson “very happy” at Tottenham

Emerson’s father confirmed he has held informal talks with Atletico. However, he also stressed he represents other clients, thus refusing to confirm Emerson was the topic discussed.

He also claimed Emerson is “very happy” at Tottenham and expects a big improvement in the coming years.

“I had an informal conversation with Atletico Madrid, but I am not only the agent of Emerson Royal; I have other players, so I can’t confirm this information released in the press,” said Emerson’s agent (via Football London).

“Our intermediary with the press is the Portuguese journalist and neuroscientist Fabiano de Abreu Agrela. He is not only responsible for Emerson’s information, but he deals with mental and high-performance issues.

“He even revealed to me that this kind of rumour is not good for the moment, as the player is very happy at Tottenham and is living a good moment in his career, which will improve even more.”

Emerson Royal can take inspiration from Wolves

Emerson’s struggles were there for all to see last season. However, they were not entirely unexpected given a recent trend.

Full-backs sold to Premier League clubs by Barcelona in recent times have all struggled to adapt in their first seasons. Aside from Emerson, Junior Firpo toiled at Leeds last year, while Nelson Semedo fared little better at Wolves in 2020/21.

However, Semedo took big strides forward in his second season at Molineux. That’s something Leeds and Spurs will hope can be replicated by Firpo and Emerson.

If not, then Emerson’s tenure in north London may be a short one, especially if a Spence deal crosses the line.