Transfer Talks Underway
Atletico Madrid have held talks over a move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero. The Argentina international, who signed a new four-year deal at Spurs last August, is expected to leave the club this summer. There has also been interest from Inter Milan in signing the 28-year-old, who played all seven matches in Argentina's run to the World Cup final last month, where they lost to Spain.[S1][S2]
Romero is a long-term target for Atletico manager Diego Simeone, with the Spanish side believed to be pressing ahead with another attempt to sign the centre-back. Spurs are aware of Atletico's interest and an agreement on personal terms for the player will not be an issue. Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi recently said he would "respect the will" of players if they wanted to leave.[S1][S2]
Fee and Competition
Romero is allowed to leave, but Spurs are still asking for a substantial fee, believed to be about £40m. Romero is keen on a move to Spain to work with compatriot Diego Simeone, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue. However, the clubs must agree a fee, which will determine whether the move goes ahead.[S3]
Inter Milan had previously struck an agreement in principle with Tottenham, but the Italian side's inability to offload Benjamin Pavard has stalled their progress, granting Atletico the crucial advantage. The completion of Romero's move to Madrid remains contingent on Atletico clearing squad space, with Nahuel Molina expected to join Roma to facilitate the transfer.[S4]
Spurs' Defensive Plans
Romero missed the end of last season with a knee injury as Spurs avoided relegation on the last day. He was sent off twice last season as Spurs finished 17th. Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Tottenham.[S1][S2]
Van de Ven, a 25-year-old Netherlands international, had harbored deep reservations about his future at the club following last season's relegation scare. However, the transformative impact of Roberto De Zerbi has convinced the center-back to commit his peak years to Spurs. Van de Ven is finalizing a new five-year contract that will significantly elevate his status within the squad.[S4]
