Aston Villa open talks to sign Emerson Royal as defensive overhaul revealed - report
Aston Villa have made a move to sign former Tottenham Hotspur right-back Emerson Royal from Flamengo this summer.
The Villans are reportedly in talks with the 27-year-old over a return to the Premier League in the current window.
The Villa Park hierarchy have taken the first steps to get a deal over the line for Emerson, and talks with Flamengo over a summer transfer have commenced.
The right-back's current contract with the Brazilian club expires at the end of 2028.
With the Lions interested in the Brazilian defender, he could once again be playing Champions League football in the 2026-27 campaign.
After moving to Barcelona from Real Betis in 2021, he immediately joined Spurs for £25.8million, spending three years in North London before signing for AC Milan.
Aston Villa exit set after Emerson Royal deal
Emerson will likely be a backup option to Matty Cash if Villa get him from Flamengo, according to talkSPORT on 23 June.
The Poland international was pivotal to Unai Emery's plans as the B6 club finished fourth in the Premier League and lifted the Europa League title.
In January 2025, Andres Garcia moved to Villa Park from Levante for around £6m, but since then has made only 13 Premier League appearances.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the 23-year-old Spanish right-back leave and it looks like the Lions are opening the doors for his departure with their approach for Emerson.
Unai Emery has plans in place for Villa Park backline
Sources told Football Insider on 19 June that Villa are hoping to strike a deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they continue to monitor him.
Emiliano Martinez could be on his way out of the Villans, but the recruitment department have replacements lined up, with Manchester City's James Trafford also on their radar.
Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne have formed an impressive back four in Birmingham, but the uncertainty over goalkeeping may lead to changes in the defence this summer.
The Lions have been dealing with financial issues in recent years as they look to compete with the best in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how much they can spend this time around.