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Mikel Arteta 'blocked Arsenal technical director, Edu, from signing Tottenham flop Emerson Royal' despite the Gunners 'opening talks with the Barcelona right-back'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta blocked the club from making a summer move for Emerson Royal, according to reports.

The Gunners were reportedly keen on signing the 23-year-old from Barcelona in August as they frantically searched for a new right-back.

The club's technical director, Edu, had already contacted the player to establish a relationship with talks said to have been in an advanced stage as the analytical department had given their stamp of approval.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (pictured) blocked the club from making a move for Emerson Royal
The Gunners were reportedly keen on a move for Emerson Royal (pictured) last summer
Technical director, Edu (left), had reportedly contacted the right-back but Arteta had doubts

Technical director, Edu (left), had reportedly contacted the right-back but Arteta had doubts

But Arteta was not convinced on the move and ordered the club to pull the plug on the potential signing, according to The Guardian.