Giacomo Iacobellis has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Emerson Royal.

What's the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the TuttoMercatoWeb journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking the defender with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer, the LaLiga side are now in negotiations with Spurs regarding a deal for the 23-year-old.

Previous reports have also claimed that Antonio Conte would be willing to part with the Brazil international ahead of Tottenham's 2022/23 campaign, with a figure of €25m (£22m) believed to be enough for Fabio Paratici to sanction the full-back's sale in the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Iacobellis said: "Atletico Madrid negotiates with Tottenham for the transfer with the purchase option of Emerson Royal."

Supporters will be buzzing

While Emerson is undoubtedly a player who boasts a considerable amount of potential, considering his below-par debut campaign at Spurs last time out, in addition to the fact that the defender is more suited to playing on the right of a back four than at wing-back, Iacobellis' latest update regarding the Brazilian's future is sure to have left Tottenham supporters buzzing.

Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £35m-rated talent offered little going forwards, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as missing two big chances of his own.

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The £62k-per-week full-back did return more impressive numbers in a defensive capacity, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 2.5 clearances and winning 5.4 duels - at a success rate of 55% - per game.

However, his overall metrics saw the former Barcelona starlet average a rather underwhelming SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as Spurs' joint 10th-worst performer in the league last term.

And, with Conte also having the option of Matt Doherty at wing-back - who scored two goals, provided four assists and created three big chances over 16 fewer league outings than Emerson - as well as Tottenham being reported to be in talks for Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence - who bagged two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances over 42 Championship appearances for Nottingham Forest last season - it is easy to see why the Italian would be willing to let Emerson leave this summer.

As such, Iacobellis' claim that Atletico are now in talks for the 23-year-old is undoubtedly good news for both the player and club, as a parting of ways this summer would very much look to suit both parties.

AND in other news: Paratici can land the left-footed Romero as Spurs make move for "dominant" £34m target