Arsenal and Everton set for transfer battle over Barcelona defender Emerson Royal if he fails to convince in pre-season

ARSENAL and Everton are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to reports.

The Brazilian has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Betis, as he looks to establish himself in LaLiga.

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Emerson, 22, hopes to impress parent club Barca during pre-season, aiming to become their first choice right-back next term

But should he look likely to have to play understudy to Sergino Dest, the former Atletico Mineiro starlet will look elsewhere.

According to , Emerson wouldn't be short of suitors, with Villarreal and AC Milan both keen.

But they reckon that the player himself prefers the idea of moving to England.

Arsenal are a particularly good fit, especially if Hector Bellerin completes a rumoured move to Paris Saint-Germain.

And Everton are also interested, as they look to find a long-term replacement for ageing stalwart Seamus Coleman.

Emerson is doing his utmost to be considered by Barcelona next term, however, and is even trying to get a Spanish citizenship in order to be registered as a homegrown player.

This week, he completed his language exam as part of the process.

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Emerson was signed by Barcelona in 2019, before immediately being farmed out to Betis.

He has been a regular for the Seville-based club, appearing 78 times in total - scoring five goals and laying on ten assists.

Emerson is also a full Brazil international, having made his debut against South Korea last season.

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