ARSENAL reportedly cooled their interest in Emerson Royal because boss Mikel Arteta felt he would not be a “good tactical fit”.
The Gunners were in advanced talks to bring in the right-back, 22, before he eventually went to rivals Spurs instead.
It’s said the talks with Arsenal hit a ‘roadblock’ caused by Arteta’s doubts, according to a report by The Athletics’ David Ornstein.
The report claims Arsenal were keen on a swap deal for Royal involving Hector Bellerin, 26, who has since been loaned to Real Betis.
It says Royal had “long been admired by Arsenal’s recruitment team, who considered his dynamic style of play a good fit for English football.”
But talks between Gunners technical director Edu and the Spanish giants “stalled” with Arteta “unconvinced about whether Royal would prove a good tactical fit for his preferred system.”
The breakdown with Royal saw Arsenal instead make a move for Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, 22, who Arteta did consider the “right fit”.
The Japan defender made a solid Arsenal debut in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Norwich.
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a controversial goal to ease pressure on Arteta following a shocking start to the season.
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Royal also made his debut for his new club on the weekend and came in for some criticism as Spurs lost 3-0 at Crystal Palace.
The Brazilian had a testing afternoon against Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha who bagged the Eagles’ opening goal from the penalty spot.
Spurs completed a £26million move for Royal on a five-year deal on the final day of this summer’s transfer window.
The Lilywhites paid £21m up front with a further £5m to be paid in add-ons.
Arsenal also concluded their deal Tomiyasu on the final day of the window in a deal which could rise to £20m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
