Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham this summer but claims around his imminent departure have been quashed by a new update.
Spurs have already had a busy summer with Thomas Frank hired as their new boss, but more incomings and outgoings are expected in the coming months as the new season edges ever closer.
Frank will undoubtedly want to bolster Spurs’ defensive options this summer after their 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term, and so keeping Argentina international Romero will be imperative.
Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in March that Romero would be open to a move to Real Madrid this summer, as he is on their list of targets, but it is the red and white side of the Spanish capital that now look primed to make a move for his services.
Football Insider revealed in April that Atletico Madrid are plotting a move for Romero this summer, and he could push for a move away soon after The Telegraph recently reported that his future at Tottenham is still uncertain.
Spurs have not agreed a fee with Atleti for Romero despite reports
Football Insider recently revealed that Tottenham are standing firm on their £60million valuation of star defender Romero, and Atletico Madrid have been unsuccessful in their early attempts to land him following talks.
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Contrasting reports have previously arisen, after Argentine outlet DobleAmarilla stated on Sunday (29 June) that Atletico and Tottenham had come to an agreement in principle over a €65m (£55.6m) deal for the 27-year-old.
The Athletic have now rubbished such claims by stating that reports that the two clubs have agreed on a fee are “not true”, even though Atleti head coach Diego Simeone is a keen admirer of Romero.
Football Insider have revealed that Spurs are reluctant to lose him ahead of their return to the Champions League participation, but the World Cup winner could soon push for a move away in a bid to get the club to lower their asking price.
Spurs should only consider selling Romero if their £60m asking price is met
Football Insider verdict
Romero has impressed in a Tottenham shirt since his initial 2021 loan move from Atalanta, and Spurs’ chiefs believe he is “one of the best defenders in the world” [The Times], and so they are set to only consider sizeable offers as a result.
He has a reputation for being a bruising, all-action centre-back, and so it is no surprise that Atletico are interested, but his injury record has left a lot to be desired during his spell at the club, and especially over the last 12 months.
The 27-year-old featured just 18 times in the Premier League last term, and so even though Tottenham will no doubt want to back Frank by keeping hold of his favoured, key men, they should not turn down a bid of £60m or over for Romero this summer.
Frank would be able to reinvest such a big fee back into his squad, but with no centre-backs being concretely linked as yet this summer, an exit for Romero looks increasingly unlikely as the new campaign approaches.