Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Flamengo defender Emerson Royal after raising their offer for the Brazil international.
Sport Witness reports that Villa have returned with an improved proposal worth around €10million, about £8.6million, after their opening bid was rejected earlier this week.
The report cites journalist Venê Casagrande and says Flamengo are now close to an agreement for the former Tottenham Hotspur defender.
Unai Emery Pushes For Low-Cost Defensive Flexibility
For Villa, this looks like a squad-management play rather than a headline-grabbing signing.
Emerson would give Unai Emery another senior right-back option behind Matty Cash, while also adding a player who has operated across different defensive roles. That versatility matters as Villa prepare for another Champions League campaign while remaining alert to financial controls.
Read Aston Villa has already covered how the Matty Cash cover plan brought Emerson Royal into focus, and the improved offer now suggests the deal is accelerating.
Sports Mole also reported earlier this week that Villa’s first bid had been turned down as Emery considered defensive options.
Royal’s Premier League record is already substantial. He made 101 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur before later spells with AC Milan and Flamengo, while Transfermarkt lists him as a 10-cap Brazil international.
At around €10million, Villa would be buying experience, tactical cover and a manageable fee. That is exactly the kind of low-cost flexibility Emery needs if Villa want depth without creating another major PSR squeeze.
