Tottenham are reportedly interested in raiding Atletico Madrid to sign Spain defender Mario Hermoso this summer. Fabio Paratici loves a swap deal, and Atleti are said to be keen on Emerson Royal in the next few weeks.
Hermoso, 25, joined Atleti from Espanyol for a fee of £25m (Mail) – but after almost three years, he is yet to reach 100 apperances. Indeed, he has been left on the bench in each of his side’s last four Champions League outings.
The Mail report that Spurs are looking to take advantage and with Hermoso in the final two years of his current deal – Atletico and Simeone are said to be open to his exit, if the price is right. But does a deal have to be for cash?
As aforementioned, Paratici loves a swap deal. He used such a technique to bring Bryan Gil to the club from Sevilla – including Erik Lamela and £21.6million to sign the Spain talent. He could do the same for Hermoso.
Hermoso in, Emerson out: Potential Tottenham, Atletico swap deal?
The Sun reported that Atletico want to end Royal’s tricky spell at Spurs – since his £25m move from Barcelona. The Brazil star is likely to be first choice between now and the summer, but only due to Matt Doherty’s injury.
Antonio Conte tried to replace him in January and is likely to sign a new right-back in the next few months. But with Atleti interested in signing Emerson, surely Spurs can use it to their advantage as they trail Hermoso?
Both players were signed by their current clubs at £25million and have since fallen off. Both are international defenders, both are struggling to be first choice. A straight swap between the two would suit all parties.
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