Aston Villa have seen an opening move for Flamengo defender Emerson Royal knocked back as Unai Emery’s search for right-back depth begins to sharpen.
According to ge, Villa lodged a first proposal worth €9m, around R$53.29m, for the Brazil international. ESPN Brasil first reported the approach, with ge confirming the offer is now being assessed inside Flamengo.
Sport Witness, citing fresh reports from Brazil, adds that Flamengo have rejected the opening package while negotiations remain active. That makes this less a dead end than an early price-setting exercise.
NEW: Aston Villa have made a proposal worth €9m for Flamengo right-back Emerson Royal. @ESPNBrasil #avfc.
— villareport (@villareport) June 23, 2026
Unai Emery Faces Flamengo Premium For Royal
The logic from Villa’s side is clear. Emerson brings Premier League experience from his Tottenham spell, can cover several defensive roles and would give Emery stronger competition behind Matty Cash during a season shaped by Champions League demands.
Flamengo’s resistance is just as understandable. The Brazilian club consider Royal an important squad piece, believe the market for replacement right-backs is thin, and know Premier League interest can push a player’s valuation upwards.
Royal has made 40 Flamengo appearances, returning one goal and five assists, after joining from AC Milan last year. His contract runs until 2028, which gives Flamengo leverage if Villa decide to return with an improved bid.
For Villa, the next move will show how urgently Emery wants a specialist right-sided defender before the market properly accelerates after June 30.
