Tottenham have ruled out selling Cristian Romero to Arsenal, according to reports, as the north London club looks to fend off interest from their rivals while the Argentine defender's future remains uncertain.
Arsenal's defensive crisis and interest in Romero
Arsenal are actively seeking a new central defender before the summer transfer window closes, following William Saliba's back injury. The 25-year-old France international played through the issue during the World Cup and, while surgery is not required, Arsenal have confirmed he will be sidelined for an extended period.
The Premier League champions have already had a bid for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa rejected, with Villa demanding a £60 million fee for the England international. Arsenal have now turned their attention to Romero, but according to The Athletic, Spurs are unwilling to sell their captain to their north London rivals.
Atletico Madrid emerge as likelier destination
The report adds that Atletico Madrid have revived their interest in Romero, with a move to Spain now considered a likelier outcome for the 28-year-old. Tottenham have also agreed a €40 million (£34 million) deal to sell Romero to Inter, but the Argentine defender has not yet finalised personal terms with the Serie A champions.
Speaking this week, Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi insisted he is still planning for the upcoming campaign with Romero as part of his squad. 'I texted with Cuti yesterday to make a plan for when he comes back to London but not for the transfer market,' De Zerbi said. 'That's not my job. I know there are many solutions in the transfer market.'
Tottenham's defensive reinforcements and Romero's potential exit
Tottenham are open to selling Romero this summer, having already strengthened their defence with the free transfer of Marco Senesi from Bournemouth and the £52 million signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. The club's willingness to part with Romero comes despite his status as captain, with the new signings providing cover at the back.
Romero's situation has drawn significant attention, with the player's future likely to be resolved before the transfer window closes. While Arsenal's interest has been rebuffed, the prospect of a move to Atletico Madrid or Inter remains alive, with personal terms and club negotiations still to be finalised.
