Emerson Royal has already given Aston Villa his answer as 'priority' emerges

Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up whether to make another move for Flamengo right-back Emerson Royal this summer.

An opening bid of £8.5million was reportedly turned down by the Brazilian club, who are keen to see the 27-year-old stay put.

However, the Brazilian's priority is reportedly to return to the Premier League, after he left Tottenham to join AC Milan in 2024.

Emerson is under contract until 2028 with the option of an additional year, with Flamengo under no obligation to sell him.

Manager Leonardo Jardim has used him sparingly this year, however, including him in the starting line-up for just six league games, and bringing him off the bench just twice.

Villa are keen to sign a new right-back this summer after Matty Cash was offered very little by way of back-up this season.

Emerson Royal keen to join Aston Villa

Emerson joined Tottenham from Barcelona in 2021, and was seen as a good piece of business.

The defender would feature at right-back and the right of midfield for the Lilywhites, but would have lapses of concentration and was prone to errors.

The following season saw Emerson start well, but when he was sent off in the North London derby for an unattractive challenge on Gabriel Martinelli, things took a turn for the worse.

The Brazilian found himself on the bench for much of the second half of the campaign, with injury keeping him out as well.

The 27-year-old made just 22 Premier League appearances in his final campaign before joining Milan in 2024, yet he could be set to return.

Asked about a potential move to Villa earlier this month, Emerson said: "As I always say, until anything is decided, my focus is always on Flamengo.

"I’m very happy to receive this proposal because it shows my work is being recognised. My focus is on Flamengo, but I don’t know what the future holds.”

Why do Villa want Emerson?

Emerson did not thrive in his previous time in the Premier League, but he has progressed since then.

In the Brazilian Serie A, the 27-year-old has represented a strong option for Flamengo when on the pitch and may well be a bargain if Villa can sign him for less than £15m.

His main duty will be to provide support for Cash, however, who made 49 appearances last season and was fortunate to avoid injury.

The 28-year-old cannot be put through that again, with Villa looking to Emerson for both cover and competition.