Arteta: 'Still some things' for Arsenal to do in window
Barcelona will raid Arsenal for an Emerson Royal replacement if they sell the Brazilian to Tottenham, according to reports. Spurs are believed to have tabled a £25million offer for the Barca star.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to sign a new defender to play on the right side of his back four before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
That is despite Japhet Tanganga performing well in the role during Spurs’ excellent start to the Premier League campaign.
Barca full-back Royal has been suggested as a possible signing for the north Londoners, who could also lose wantaway Ivory Coast international Serge Aurier.
The 22-year-old Royal has spent the last couple of seasons on loan at Real Betis, impressing under Manuel Pellegrini.
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Successive injuries have stalled Bellerin’s development in recent years and the 26-year-old could seek a new challenge.
He is Arsenal’s longest-serving player having joined from Barca’s La Masia academy aged 16.
The Spain international has made 239 appearances for Arsenal but seems set to depart if an offer is made. A return to Barca now seems a possibility.
Arsenal have hardly had much success in Bellerin’s absence this term, losing all three of their Premier League games without scoring a goal.
Arsenal's Hector Bellerin could make a Barcelona switch if Royal joins Spurs (Image: GETTY)
Arteta has overseen a terrible start to the campaign, having also failed to qualify for European competition for the first time in over a quarter of a century last term.
Their woeful form was compounded by a 5-0 thrashing by Manchester City on Saturday, which has placed Arteta under further pressure to turn around the club’s fortunes.
“To the fans all I can say is thank you so much. We have 3,000 fans here, they were absolutely fantastic and in condition with the team throughout the game,” he told reporters after the game.
“That’s why you saw the reaction after the game. All the players and myself, we have to do that and say thank you, because this doesn’t happen very often in football and we have to value what they’ve done today.”
Asked if he was the man to turn Arsenal’s form around, Arteta replied: “Yes I do. If not I wouldn’t be sitting here.”