Tottenham will refuse to sell Cristian Romero to Arsenal, who are interested in signing the Spurs captain. Romero, 28, is a shock target for the Gunners, who want to sign a centre-back before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also interested, with the latter striking a €40million (£34.2m) deal in principle with Tottenham. Romero, however, is yet to agree personal terms with Inter like he reportedly has with Atletico, who are preparing a bid of their own.
North London Rivalry
According to The Athletic, Spurs were unaware of Arsenal's interest but would consider any transfer between the North London rivals a non-starter. William Gallas is the last player to move directly between the two clubs, joining Spurs in 2010 after his deal with Arsenal had expired.
Sol Campbell controversially went the other way in 2001, having run down his contract at Tottenham. The transfer remains infamous to this day.
Arsenal's Defensive Search
Arsenal's search for defensive reinforcements comes after William Saliba succumbed to a back injury at the World Cup. Although Mikel Arteta already has Cristian Mosquera, Ben White and Jurrien Timber as cover, he would like another right-footed centre-back.
Romero was named captain by Spurs last summer following the departure of club legend Son Heung-min. Atletico were eyeing up a move back then and have renewed their interest in recent weeks.
Tottenham have already signed two centre-backs this summer, welcoming ex-Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi on a free before paying £52million for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. Spurs are also close to tying Micky van de Ven down to a new contract which would extend his stay until 2031.
Manager and Club Comments
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to Romero since he helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, but the Tottenham boss was coy when asked about the defender's future. "I texted with Cuti yesterday to make a plan for when he comes back to London," De Zerbi said earlier this week. "(I do not know about) the transfer market. That's not my job. I know there are many solutions in the transfer market."
Meanwhile, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio recently declared his club's interest in signing the 28-year-old. "It's definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club," Ausilio revealed to Sky Italia. "These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let's see."
Tottenham's next pre-season friendly takes place on Saturday against Spanish side Getafe, although Romero won't be involved as he continues his break after the World Cup. The game will be played at Hotspur Way, Spurs' training ground.
