Villarreal are “best positioned” to sign Real Betis right-back Emerson Royal, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Brazilian is believed to be one of two players, along with Max Aarons, that Arsenal are targeting as they seek a replacement for Hector Bellerin, but it appears their Europa League conquerors are favourites for the player.

Emerson’s situation is rather complicated. The defender is currently at Betis, but he is effectively jointly owned with Barcelona, and the Catalan club are expected to bring him back to the Camp Nou in the summer.

Mundo Deportivo report that Barca are prepared to sell the 22-year-old on for a profit, with the fullback having an asking price between €22m (£19m) and €24m (£20.6m).

The newspaper says a move to Villarreal is the most “viable” at this stage, so it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will try to head off Unai Emery’s side in the race for Emerson’s signature.