REPORT: Milan still in talks for sub-€20m deal for Emerson Royal

Things have been a little quiet on the Emerson Royal front, but the club most closely linked to him — AC Milan — still appears to be a viable option. The latest comes from Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, who says that Emerson is still a “priority” target for the Serie A giants, and that talks are continuing for a sub-€20m transfer fee this month.

Milan want to buy a right back. It is among the management’s priorities together with the search for a striker.

Certainly Emerson Royal of Tottenham is on the list, whose valuation is slightly less than 20 million euros. Accessible operation.

Milan have been following Emerson Royal for several months and had also obtained information during the last summer transfer window.

Emerson Royal has a contract expiring in 2026.

So over the past month or so we’ve seen Royal’s transfer fee go steadily downwards — first there were reports that Tottenham was demanding €30m, then the price dropped to €20m, and now Italian media sources are reporting a sub-€20m fee for a very good fullback who just doesn’t fit Ange Postecoglou’s tactical system. I dunno, y’all. On the one hand I get that continental clubs aren’t as rich as Premier League clubs, but on the other hand I also am starting to wonder if Spurs are getting taken to the cleaners a bit, assuming these reports are accurate. And on the OTHER other hand (I have three hands), Spurs need to offload Emerson this summer regardless, so maybe that’s okay?

Johan Lange is a smart guy and Daniel Levy is a shrewd businessman so I expect that most of these concerns will come out in the wash. Maybe there’s an extended payment plan, or a sell-on clause that can be tacked on or something. Who knows. But there continues to be smoke swirling on this transfer, and I suspect this is negotiation by media. I doubt it holds anything up, since both sides seem motivated to want to get a deal across the line.