Flamengo make bold move for Serie A star | OneFootball

Flamengo have entered advanced talks to sign Emerson Royal as a potential replacement for Wesley, with negotiations progressing rapidly between the Brazilian club, the player’s representatives, and Milan, according to Globo and Lance. Emerson, who was on the verge of joining Besiktas on loan, has been swayed by Flamengo’s approach and appears closer to a move to Rio de Janeiro after the Turkish side’s deal stalled.

Milan, currently holding Emerson’s rights following his recent season at San Siro, are open to a loan deal with an option to buy. Flamengo’s offer satisfies these terms, and club officials are optimistic about finalising the transfer. The timing is pressing, with Roma negotiating to acquire Wesley; Flamengo requested additional time to secure his replacement, which has accelerated negotiations for Emerson.

Besiktas had previously agreed a verbal deal with Milan and were offering Emerson a salary double his current Milan wages, planning for an imminent medical and travel to Istanbul. However, Flamengo’s intervention put the deal on hold, allowing the Brazilian club to make their case. One of the key factors influencing Emerson’s decision is the possibility of boosting his visibility for a return to the Brazil national team, something he reportedly values highly.

Emerson has played for several European clubs after leaving Atlético Mineiro. His European career began at Real Betis, where he contributed five goals and ten assists in 79 matches. He had a brief spell at Barcelona, making just three appearances, followed by a more substantial period at Tottenham, registering four goals and two assists in 101 games. Last season, Emerson featured 26 times for Milan, starting in 22 matches.

A move to Flamengo would represent a homecoming for the 25-year-old, whose admiration for the club is on the record. In a 2022 interview with Coluna do Fla, Emerson described the club as "the only one in Brazil today that comes close to the level of Premier League clubs" and expressed a desire to play for Flamengo one day.

With Wesley’s departure increasingly likely, Flamengo’s efforts to secure Emerson exemplify their strategy of moving proactively in the market. The deal’s loan structure with a purchase clause aligns with both Milan’s and Flamengo’s current goals, while potentially providing Emerson a platform to reclaim a spot in the national team.

Negotiations continue as both clubs and the player look to reach a definitive agreement in the coming days.

(Sources: Globo, Lance)