Atletico Madrid are in talks to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s Emerson Royal with Marca claiming that the Brazilian is their top target ahead of Aston Villa’s Matty Cash.
A pair of Premier League right-backs they may be but that is where the similarities end.
Because, while the newly-capped Poland international Cash is in the form of his young life at Villa Park – producing two goals and two assists in his last four games – the same cannot be said of Emerson.
If Cash’s greatest strength is his quality in the final third, then it’s Emerson’s biggest weakness.
How many times this season has the former Barcelona man found himself in the final third, with the goal at his mercy, only to blaze a cross over everyone’s head or slam it into the ankles of the nearest defender?
At times, Emerson almost feels like a Pro Evolution veteran attempting to get used to the FIFA controls. His cross and shoot buttons all mixed up.
Emerson or Matty Cash for Atletico Madrid?
Nonetheless, Emerson has one big advantage over Cash as for as Atletico are concerned.
According to Marca, the reigning La Liga champions have identified both players as potential replacements for Kieran Trippier at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Emerson and Cash would cost similar fees. Somewhere in the region of £25 million.
But it is Emerson’s La Liga experience and proven track record in Spanish football – his eye-catching performances on loan at Real Betis paved the way for last summer’s move to North London – that has Atletico prioritising him over the more technically-gifted Cash.
According to Marca, Diego Simeone’s side showed an interest in Emerson last summer too, before Tottenham pipped them to the post.
Atleti opened talks with their long-term transfer target in February. And while Serie A champions Inter Milan are interested too, Emerson would prefer a return to Spain than a summer switch to the San Siro.
As for Tottenham, well, one suspects they would jump at the chance to make an immediate profit on a player who’s performances in North London have left a lot to be desired.
Emerson has played just 12 minutes during Spurs’ last three Premier League games, falling behind a revitalised Matt Doherty in Conte’s pecking order.
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