Arsenal transfer target Emerson to hold showdown talks with Barcelona over potential move

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In-demand right-back Emerson Royal is reportedly set to hold showdown talks with Barcelona over a potential transfer to Arsenal. The La Liga giants announced that they had signed the defender on Wednesday, but the complicated structure of the move means that he could still join the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in the market for a new right-back with Hector Bellerin edging towards a departure from the club.

One potential destination for the Spaniard is Real Betis, who have seen their first-choice fullback Emerson join Barcelona.

The Brazilian was an ever-present for Manuel Pellergrini’s side, notching four assists in 34 La Liga appearances.

That helped Pellergrini’s men to secure a top six spot in the Spanish top-flight and as a result European qualification.

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His performances from right-back saw him lauded for both his attacking prowess and his defensive solidity, drawing comparisons to fellow countryman Dani Alves.

Emerson’s impressive displays also drew the interest of Arsenal, with the 22-year-old becoming one of their targets to replace Bellerin.

Complicating matters though is the fact that the deal which saw Emerson move to Betis in the first place was a joint transfer between Los Verdiblancos and Barcelona.

The deadline for the Catalan club to pay the rest of their share of the money, plus an extra £2.5million to Betis, was this summer and it is a deadline that has been met.

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The payment to Betis also saw Emerson move to Camp Nou permanently, with Barca set to demand a fee in the region of £21.5m for the defender.

And with Arsenal still interested in bringing Emerson to the Premier League, the player’s agent has now reportedly travelled to Barcelona for showdown talks.

Mundo Deportivo claim his representative “has been summoned” to confirm where his future will lie following the summer window.

They also state following the meeting at the Camp Nou offices, his future should become “clearer”.

Arsenal though are not the only club who will be monitoring the situation, with it also reported that Serie A rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan have “expressed an interest” in the right-back.

The Gunners would appear to be outsiders in the race to sign Emerson, with the Milan clubs both able to offer European football next season.

But in a blow to the three interested sides, it now appears that Emerson will be staying in Spain and turning out for Barcelona for the long-term.

Mundo Deportivo report that the Brazilian has signed a new contract with the Catalan giants, extending his stay until at least 2026.
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