Arsenal have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, as Roberto De Zerbi indicates he is willing to allow players unhappy at the club to depart. The news comes as Spurs continue to reshape their squad following a significant summer of spending, exceeding £220 million on new midfield and defensive talent.
De Zerbi, who took over at Tottenham in March and successfully preserved their Premier League status, has adopted a firm stance on player satisfaction. Before a pre-season friendly against Auckland FC, he stated that any player not fully committed to the club should seek opportunities elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of motivation and pride in representing Tottenham. He specifically mentioned he would be speaking with Lucas Bergvall in the coming days to determine the best path forward for both the player and the club.
Cristian Romero, who represented Argentina at the recent World Cup, is reportedly open to a move to Inter Milan, with the Italian club already in contact with his representatives. While Spurs have initially valued Romero at £42.5 million, reports suggest they may be willing to negotiate a lower fee to facilitate his departure. Romero’s agent and an intermediary were spotted in Milan on Friday, further fueling speculation about a potential transfer.
Surprisingly, Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, claims that Arsenal have also expressed interest in the 28-year-old. This potential move comes amid concerns over a back issue for Arsenal’s William Saliba, potentially leaving a void in Mikel Arteta’s defensive options. However, a transfer to their north London rivals remains a complex prospect. De Zerbi also indicated that Tottenham’s transfer business is not yet complete, anticipating the arrival of additional players before the window closes.
Tottenham have been preparing for Romero’s departure, with four European clubs showing interest. The club is looking to balance the books after a substantial investment in new players, and offloading Romero would provide significant funds. The situation highlights the evolving landscape at Tottenham under De Zerbi, as the club seeks to build a squad comprised of fully committed players.
