Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly preparing for a future without Cristian Romero, with the club expecting the Argentina international to leave before the close of the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The north London side have reportedly been shaping their plans for the new campaign on the assumption that Romero will not be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. Club officials are understood to want clarity over the defender’s future before he returns from his extended break following the FIFA World Cup.
Although De Zerbi is said to appreciate Romero’s ability on the pitch, reports suggest the Italian has reservations over certain off-field matters. Tottenham’s decision to strengthen at centre-back by signing Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi has further reduced the club’s dependence on the Argentine and increased their willingness to sanction a sale.
The club is also reportedly looking to secure the long-term future of Micky van de Ven with a new contract, underlining his importance to De Zerbi’s plans. No equivalent negotiations are believed to be taking place with Romero.
Tottenham are understood to value the 28-year-old at around £50 million, although there is growing belief that a deal worth closer to £40 million could eventually be accepted, particularly given concerns over the defender’s recent injury record.
Interest in Romero continues to grow across Europe.
Serie A champions Inter Milan have reportedly made enquiries during discussions with Tottenham over Djed Spence. The Italian club could explore a deal involving both players, with one proposal said to involve a loan with an obligation to buy, allowing a permanent transfer to be completed a year later.
Inter’s interest could intensify if Alessandro Bastoni leaves San Siro, with head coach Cristian Chivu reportedly viewing Romero as a leading candidate to replace the Italy international.
Spain is also emerging as a likely destination.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reported to have held talks regarding the World Cup-winning defender. Barcelona are said to admire Romero’s profile, although any move would depend on generating funds and creating room in their squad.
Real Madrid remain in the market for a central defender, with Bastoni currently considered their preferred target. However, Romero is still being discussed internally at the Bernabeu, particularly if Tottenham lower their asking price below £50 million, making a move significantly more attractive.
Atletico Madrid are also keeping close tabs on developments. Diego Simeone has long admired Romero’s aggressive style of defending and leadership qualities, and the Spanish club remain interested should the opportunity arise.
Tottenham would ideally like Romero’s future resolved before he rejoins the squad in August following Argentina’s World Cup campaign, allowing the club to avoid uncertainty during the closing stages of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Spurs have reportedly rejected a £38 million offer from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with the club holding out for a higher fee before considering his departure.
