AC Milan target Emerson Royal transfer as Tottenham price tag emerges

Tottenham defender Emerson Royal is reportedly the subject of interest from AC Milan. Emerson's future with Spurs has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, with the rumours intensifying after the defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.

The left-back endured a difficult afternoon at Anfield, which has led to reports suggesting he could leave North London this summer.

Emerson made his 100th appearance for Tottenham in the 4-2 loss to Liverpool last Sunday. Now reports have emerged that the defender could be moving to Serie A when the transfer window reopens.

According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have identified Emerson as their preferred target as they look to sign a new full-back.

The Serie A giants have previously been linked with Emerson before he left Barcelona to join Spurs in 2021 in a deal close to £26 million.

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The report claims that Emerson may decide to leave Tottenham due to Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro being ahead of him in the full-back pecking order. Emerson is contracted at Spurs until 2026, meaning he is about to enter the final two years of his deal.

It has also been claimed that Spurs would demand around €30 million (£26 million) in order to allow Emerson to leave the club. As a result, the report states that this fee may prove too much for Milan to be able to pay this summer.

Emerson has made 23 appearances for Spurs this season in all competitions, including back-to-back starts in the recent defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool. The Brazilian will hope to be involved in Tottenham's final three fixtures of the campaign against Burnley, Manchester City and Sheffield United as Spurs look to qualify for Europe.