Cristian Romero open to Arsenal move, but Tottenham resistant to North London transfer
Cristian Romero, the Tottenham defender, is reportedly open to a move to Arsenal this summer. However, Tottenham is said to be firm in its stance that the Argentine international will not transfer to their North London rivals.
Reports indicate that Arsenal is targeting Romero, while also considering a move for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz after their attempt to sign Vinicius Junior was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Barcelona is reportedly confident of securing a deal for Manchester City’s Rodri.
Interest from other clubs
Beyond Arsenal, Romero has garnered significant interest from other major European clubs. Barcelona has identified the 28-year-old as a primary target following the departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool. Barcelona‘s sporting director, Deco, has reportedly placed Romero at the top of his list for defensive reinforcements. The Catalan club values Romero‘s physical strength, leadership qualities, and ability to defend high up the pitch under pressure.
Inter Milan had also previously shown strong interest in Romero, with their sporting director, Piero Ausilio, publicly acknowledging the club’s efforts to reach an agreement. Additionally, Atletico Madrid has been a long-term admirer of Romero and has renewed its pursuit this transfer window. The Madrid club reportedly held direct talks with Tottenham after reaching an initial understanding with Romero regarding personal terms.
Despite the interest from multiple clubs, Tottenham‘s position on Romero‘s potential move to Arsenal remains steadfast. The club is reportedly adamant about not allowing their defender to cross the North London divide.
Tottenham’s stance and player’s situation
Romero, who signed a new four-year deal with Spurs last August, is expected to leave the club this summer. Tottenham‘s boss, Roberto de Zerbi, has stated that he would “respect the will” of players who wish to depart. Romero missed the end of last season due to a knee injury and was sent off twice during a season where Spurs finished 17th.
While Barcelona views Romero as an ideal partner for young talents like Pau Cubarsi due to his experience and robust style, financial considerations remain a key obstacle. The club had previously favoured a loan deal over an expensive permanent transfer. Barcelona is also considering other defensive options, including Aymeric Laporte, who returned to Athletic Bilbao last summer from Al-Nassr.
Barcelona‘s coach, Hansi Flick, has expressed some hesitation regarding the immediate need for a new defender, given the existing options within the squad, including Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, and Alvaro Cortes. However, Araujo‘s departure has brought Barcelona back into the market, as his exit frees up salary space.
The entry of Barcelona into the race for Romero could significantly alter the competition with Atletico Madrid for his signature. Meanwhile, Tottenham‘s fellow centre-back, Micky van de Ven, is reportedly close to agreeing a new five-year deal with the club.
Other transfer news includes discussions between Everton and Crystal Palace for a potential swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson. Enzo Maresca is set to choose his own Manchester City captain, aiming to introduce English influence into his leadership group. In Scottish football, Rangers have submitted an improved offer for PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, and Greg Taylor is reportedly open to returning to Celtic.
Source: skysports.com
