Tottenham transfer latest: Atletico Madrid come knocking for Emerson Royal as Spurs close on replacement

LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in taking Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal back to Spain this summer.

The Brazilian only joined Spurs from Barcelona in a £25.8million deal in the summer of 2021 and went on make 44 appearances for the club in all competitions last season.

Despite struggling to show his best form in the opening half of the campaign Royal improved as the season went on under Antonio Conte.

Much like the rest of the Tottenham team, the 23-year-old became more accustomed to Conte’s system. Indeed, the north London outfit lost only one of their last 11 Premier League games to seal fourth spot.

But despite his resurgence, Royal has been tipped to move back to Spain.

Sky Sports reports that Atletico are keen on striking a deal, having sold Kieran Trippier to Newcastle in January.

Royal remains under contract at Tottenham until 2026, meaning they can command a sizeable fee. And with continued rumours that Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence is on his way to bolster the club’s homegrown quota, a move for the Brazilian does make some sense.

Brazilian star fails to convince Conte

Royal, who recently escaped unhurt from an attempted armed robbery back in his homeland, did show his attacking qualities as the season drew to a close. But the feeling is that his impressive form came to little too late.

Tottenham also have Matt Doherty on their books, who was impressing before an injury ended his season early.

Having Spence and Doherty battle it out for the right-sided role is seemingly what Conte wants. Meanwhile, Spurs also have the option of playing winger Dejan Kulusevksi in that position.

Conte’s men are expected to snap up their third signing of a busy summer when Yves Bissouma pens a deal.

The Brighton man has already passed a medical in north London ahead of a £25m switch.

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