Last summer, Tottenham opted to sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona over Takehiro Tomiyasu – who ended up joining Arsenal for a smaller £16million fee. But new reports show Spurs are already regretting that decision.
Since Antonio Conte’s arrival, the Italian has not been a fan of the Brazil international. Now second choice to Matt Doherty, it is proof that Conte prefers the Ireland international – who himself was an outcast before Conte.
Doherty has sparkled for Spurs over the last few weeks – producing four goal involvements in Tottenham’s last two Premier League games, 4-0 and 5-0 wins over Leeds United and Everton. Emerson is warming the bench.
The Athletic stated last summer that Spurs had tracked Japan star Tomiyasu for some time, but opted to go for Emerson – allowing Arsenal to sign Tomiyasu for £16million. Now, new reports is proof they made a mistake.
Emerson report proof of Tottenham error, on Arsenal ace Tomiyasu
The Sun report that Spurs are now willing to listen to offers for Emerson, a player Fabio Paratici only signed last summer for £26million. He does not suit Conte’s wing-back system, and has not adapted to life in England.
So, is it now time Tottenham are admitting they made a mistake in deciding to sign Emerson – when they could so easily have got Tomiyasu, and saved themselves £10million? Well, Tomiyasu has starred for Arsenal so far.
The difference is of course, that Tomiyasu is more of a central defender – and plays there for Japan. But he would have been a much better addition to Spurs than Emerson has been – and it is surely Spurs admitting an error.

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