Aston Villa are reportedly in talks over a move for Flamengo right-back Emerson Royal as Unai Emery assesses his defensive depth ahead of the new season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender is back on the Premier League radar, with Villa said to be exploring a deal that would give Matty Cash more specialist competition on the right side of defence.
It is not a glamour link, but it is a practical one. Villa have a bigger schedule to manage and Emery cannot afford a squad that becomes lopsided if Cash is unavailable or needs rotating during a congested run.
Villa Look At Emerson Royal Option
According to a fresh update from talkSPORT on Aston Villa’s Emerson Royal talks, Villa have opened negotiations with Flamengo over a possible summer move.
Emerson, 27, has already played in England with Spurs and has also represented Barcelona, AC Milan and Flamengo. That background makes him a ready-made senior option rather than a development punt, which matters if Villa want reliable right-back cover quickly.
The question now is whether this stays as exploratory contact or becomes a serious transfer push. If Villa can land Emerson on sensible terms, it would strengthen a specific area of Emery’s squad without demanding a major tactical reshuffle before pre-season gathers pace. The right-back market now has a concrete Villa angle to follow.
