There’s less than a month to go until the transfer window slams shut and, against all odds, Cristian Romero is still a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Now, that may not last much longer, but it speaks volumes about the saga that he has endured since the end of the World Cup. Even in the final weeks of the window, the latest reports indicate that there are more twists to come, too.
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Every club interested in Cristian Romero |
Why they want Romero |
Why Romero would join |
|---|---|---|
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Atlético Madrid |
Diego Simeone is a long-term admirer and sees Romero as a natural fit for his aggressive defensive style. Atlético are looking for a top-level centre-back and view him as a leader who can immediately strengthen their back line. |
The biggest attraction is Simeone and the chance to return to Spain. Romero’s aggressive, front-foot defending and mentality fit Atlético’s identity, while Champions League football and a move closer to Argentina could also appeal. |
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Inter Milan |
Inter have identified Romero as a priority defensive target and are looking for an experienced centre-back to strengthen their back line. His Serie A experience with Atalanta is a major attraction. |
A return to Italy would be appealing after his successful spell at Atalanta. Inter offer Champions League football, a realistic chance of competing for trophies and a tactical system that suits his ability to defend aggressively and step forward with the ball. |
|
Arsenal |
Arsenal have monitored Romero as a potential defensive addition due to his leadership, experience and ability to play at the highest level. However, a move would be difficult because of the rivalry between the clubs. |
Arsenal would offer Premier League football, Champions League competition and a chance to compete for major honours. However, joining Tottenham’s biggest domestic rival makes this the least likely option. |
Romero has not been short on interest, even from arch-rivals Arsenal. Whilst losing the World Cup winner would be an almighty blow, the Lilywhites have already prepared for his departure by signing Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and are set to tie Micky van de Ven down to a new deal.
Now, decision time is fast approaching and Fabrizio Romano’s latest update has detailed the next twist expected to arrive regarding the defender’s immediate future.
Fabrizio Romano shares new twist in Cristian Romero saga
Speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Romero’s move to Inter Milan has collapsed after the Italian club failed to sell Benjamin Pavard to fund their deal.
That has left another club in the driving seat. As per Romano, Atletico Madrid have now held new talks to sign Romero and are the clear favourites to secure his signature.
The transfer expert had his say: “I would put Atletico Madrid way way ahead of Inter today for Cuti Romero, because Inter had a deal in place with Tottenham for Romero in terms of club to club agreement for €40m, but never got a green light together with the player.
“Why Inter didn’t proceed? Because Inter didn’t sell a player. They were needing to sell Benjamin Pavard in order to let Romero join the club. This didn’t happen and now Romero is clear leaning towards moving to Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid are clear favourites.
“What I can tell you today is that Atletico Madrid already started club-to-club negotiations with Tottenham for Romero. First official bid rejected. There will be a new official bid incoming for Romero. Atletico Madrid are working out how to get Romero.”
All signs are now pointing towards Atletico Madrid for Romero, who is keen to join Diego Simeone’s side before the transfer window slams shut – the player reportedly has a secret clause in his Spurs contract to give favour to the big three Spanish clubs.
That will come as a relief for Tottenham, who may have been concerned by Arsenal’s sudden presence in the race to sign their club captain in a repeat of the Sol Campbell move many moons ago.
The departure of Romero will truly signal the start of a new era for Spurs’ backline and one they desperately hope will not feature back-to-back relegation scraps.
