Tottenham ‘agree £26m Emerson Royal transfer fee with Barcelona with defender preferring Spurs move to Arsenal’

BARCELONA star Emerson Royal is set join Tottenham with the North Londoners having reportedly agreed a £26million fee.

The right-back is believed to have completed his medical in Spain with the deal set to be announced imminently.

Arsenal also registered an interest in signing Royal.

But Spurs were always in the driving seat, with the 22-year-old preferring a move to Nuno Espirito Santo's side over Mikel Arteta's.

The Lilywhites stepped up their interest in the Brazilian over the weekend.

Desperate to offload Serge Aurier, Spurs tried to include the Ivorian as part of a deal for Royal, in addition to £17million.

Barcelona rejected the bid, however, but Tottenham remained intent on sealing a deal before tonight's transfer deadline.

Transfer expert claims that Spurs have agreed a fee in the region of £26m with Barcelona for Royal.

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He also reports that the paperwork was all agreed overnight and that a deal is on the cusp of completion, with Royal having completed his medical - and having started following Spurs on Instagram.

Tottenham are still desperate to offload Aurier, however, with a number of clubs around Europe believed to be interested.

Brazilian ace Royal may not be Spurs' only deadline day acquisition.

The Premier League leaders are still interested in Wolves star Adama Traore.

And claim that the Spaniard has enlisted the help of agent Jorge Mendes to try and get a deal done.