Arsenal are in the market for a centre-back this summer following an injury to defensive lynchpin William Saliba at the World Cup, and could take their shopping over the road to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Saliba suffered a back injury at the tournament and, while he has avoided the need for surgery, is set for an extended period on the sidelines. It's a serious blow for the Gunners given how impressive Saliba and centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes were in last season's title triumph.
Arsenal are keen to ensure that Mikel Arteta has enough strength in depth at the heart of defence with several experienced players emerging on a shortlist. Manchester City man John Stones and Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa have both been linked, but there could be an unexpected candidate at Spurs.
Arsenal linked with Tottenham Hotspur defender
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave the club this summer, with Spurs unlikely to stand in his way.
The Argentina international has another three years left on his contract but frustrated supporters with his attitude last season. Romero has been regularly linked with a move away from the club over the past 12 months and could now finally get his wish.
Inter Milan appear to be frontrunners for a deal at this stage, with sporting director Piero Ausilio explicitly confirming that the club were keen to complete a deal. However, there could be unlikely competition from Arsenal.
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport report the latest on Inter's pursuit of the 28-year-old and name check both Arsenal and Barcelona as other teams who are monitoring a move for Romero, whom Lionel Messi once described as the "best defender in the world". There is no indication as to how far the Gunners may be in considering a swoop, which would be a rare piece of transfer business with their biggest rivals.
Inter Milan chasing Cristian Romero
The report from Italy claims that Inter and Spurs have been negotiating the Romero deal for days and that the Serie A giants are 'confident' of reaching a breakthrough.
Inter are hoping that a fee of €40million, around £35million, would be enough for Tottenham to shake hands on a deal. It's expected that if an agreement is reached, it would be before next weekend.
That £35million fee is reportedly the same figure that Arsenal are willing to pay for Aston Villa man Konsa, who is available for a transfer this summer. However, the Villans are demanding a lofty £60million for the England international. It is unlikely Arsenal would fork out that fee.
Three Lions teammate Stones would be available on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City. However, at 32 years old and with a patchy injury record, he may not guarantee the availability Arsenal need to cover Saliba in his absence.