Emerson Royal: Tottenham ‘more than willing’ to sanction transfer after Spanish update – expert
Antonio Conte wants Emerson Royal to leave Tottenham and will have already identified a replacement, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old has failed to “prove himself” despite having ample time to do so.
According to Marca (9 March), European giants Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are interested in the defender ahead of the summer window.
Royal started the season as Tottenham’s first choice at right-back but has been gazumped by Matt Doherty in the pecking order.
Whelan suggested his omission from recent lineups means Conte has “made up his mind” on the Brazil international.
“Spurs will be more than willing to let him go,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It really hasn’t worked out. Tottenham are struggling massively with that wing-back role at the moment, and I think Conte has made up his mind on Royal.
“There needs to be a reshuffle and a change of personnel for Conte to get what he needs to be successful.
“The problem for him right now is that he’s using players that three different managers have brought in.
“If you can get Royal off the books, then Tottenham will do it. He’s had enough time to prove himself and just hasn’t. Conte wants him out and he will know who he wants to go for. Now he needs to be given that chance.”
Royal, who joined Tottenham for almost £21million last August (2021), has managed just one assist in 30 Spurs appearances this term.
His contract runs until 2026.
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