Cristian Romero is open to joining Arsenal this summer, but Tottenham are adamant their defender will not be crossing the north London divide. The Argentine wants to end his five-year spell with Tottenham, with interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, but the Gunners are also keen on the centre-half in a move that would spark a furious backlash from Spurs fans.
No scenario for Emirates move
Despite Romero's stance, Tottenham bosses have made it clear that there is no scenario where they will allow their defender to move to the Emirates, according to The Sun. A transfer would see Romero emulate Sol Campbell's move from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001, which remains one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history. Campbell was a leading light at White Hart Lane but left when his contract expired, leaving Tottenham powerless to prevent the move.
However, Romero still has a contract at Tottenham with three years left to run, which puts his club in a strong position regarding his future. The 28-year-old's departure is expected, but the north Londoners will not let him make the 4.5-mile trip to their rivals. William Gallas was the last man to make the switch in 2010, but like Campbell, his move came upon contract expiry rather than through negotiations between the two clubs.
Replacement already signed
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has already signed Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million, with the Dutchman effectively serving as Romero's replacement. Van Hecke is part of a summer spree that has seen the club spend over £200 million on new talent, including Sandro Tonali.
Atletico have a long-term interest in Romero, and any move to the Spanish capital would allow him to work under Diego Simeone, who is known to be a huge fan of his fellow Argentine. Atletico are thought to be readying a £40 million bid for Romero. The La Liga side tried to sign Romero last summer, but former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank convinced the defender to sign a new deal and made him club captain.
Romero was heavily criticised when it emerged that he would miss Tottenham's must-win final game of last season. He headed back to Argentina to watch boyhood club Belgrano face River Plate in a title decider, but made a late u-turn and was present for the win over Everton.
