Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes that Tottenham Hotspur could sign another right-back this summer if Emerson Royal leaves the club.
Emerson continues to be heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, with the Brazilian thought to have already agreed on a five-year deal with the Serie A side ahead of a potential move to Italy (Fabrizio Romano).
Many assumed that Archie Gray, who arrived at Tottenham from Leeds United in a £40m deal would serve as Pedro Porro’s understudy at right-back, with the teenager playing in that role quite often for Daniel Farke’s men last season.
However, The Athletic claimed last week that Ange Postecoglou’s men view Gray as primarily being an option for their midfield, with his ability to play as a right-back seen as a bonus.
Sheth believes that Tottenham have now begun the search for a new right-back and will make a signing in that position if and when Emerson departs Hotspur Way.
The journalist told the Last Word on Spurs podcast: “I was asking about full-backs and it could depend on Emerson Royal and what happens with him. If Emerson Royal was to leave I think Spurs would go into the market for a full-back.
“That isn’t to say that they’re not doing their due diligence already, that recruitment team will be doing due diligence on every single position. When it comes to one in, one out, you’re looking at Emerson Royal and that would be key about whether Tottenham go back into the market.
“I know there’s talk about Kyle Walker-Peters potentially making a return, but first things first they want to see if the Emerson Royal departure comes to fruition or not.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I would be surprised if Tottenham signed another right-back this summer. Even though Gray will eventually end up as a midfielder, I expect him to be primarily used as an inverted right-back next season.
In defence, Spurs will likely want a centre-back, who can also operate as a left-back.
However, I would not be surprised if Ange decided to sign an out-and-out left-back who can be an understudy to Destiny Udogie and use Ben Davies as the fourth-choice centre-back.
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