Manchester United have been urged to pursue a move for Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Cristian Romero to reunite the Tottenham defender with his fellow countryman Lisandro Martinez.
Romero expected to leave Spurs
Romero is under contract in north London until 2029, but there is an expectation he will leave Spurs this summer after the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. The Tottenham captain is not expected to be short of suitors across Europe this summer, particularly after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final this summer in North America.
Italian champions Inter Milan have been linked with a €50million (£42m) bid for Romero, with the club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, confirming that they are pursuing a deal for the 28-year-old.
‘It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club,’ Ausilio told Sky Sports Italy. ‘These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see. We are interested in signing Cuti Romero. We have met his agent and we have already talked with Tottenham. Let’s see what happens.’
Arsenal and Chelsea also keen
However, Inter could face a battle on their hands, with reports in Italy suggesting that Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen to explore a shock move for the Spurs defender. Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal are considering adding to their defensive ranks after news that William Saliba will be out for an extended period due to a back injury. Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen to add some much-needed experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad following their poor finish to last season.
Micky Gray urges United move
But former Premier League winger Micky Gray believes United should also throw their hat into the ring to try and sign Romero, particularly given his successful partnership with Martinez at the World Cup.
‘I would take him to Man United in a heartbeat,’ Gray told talkSPORT. ‘The chance to put Martinez and Romero back together as a pairing, whether you love or hate them, you know what you’re getting from them. And I think with Michael and his coaching staff, if you can just calm him down a little bit, there’s no doubt when he’s got quality, he’s a great centre half. Whether Man United look in that position or not, I don’t know, because obviously they’ve got Heaven and Yoro coming through. But he’s a very talented player. He’s been to back-to-back World Cup finals. He’s got Premier League experience, still at a decent age.’
Gray continued: ‘The value is also what he brings in the dressing room. Let’s not forget World Cup winner, World Cup finalist. He was involved in the Europa League when they beat Manchester United. You might look at his age and in his character, his personality, and what obviously he didn’t bring to Tottenham last season, the red cards, as you just mentioned that before. But he brings a lot more than that for me.’
United's summer business
United have signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to bolster their midfield already this summer, while Karl Darlow arrived from Leeds United on a free transfer as a backup goalkeeper. The Red Devils are said to be keen to still bring in another central midfielder this summer, with Carlos Baleba and Manu Kone among those on the club’s shortlist.
