Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero and whether the club could be prepared to sell him to rivals Arsenal.
Romero looks set to leave Spurs this summer following the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. The Argentine defender has been linked with a departure since the transfer window opened, and a move abroad seemed the most likely outcome.
That was until shock claims were made that Arsenal could be entering the race for the 28-year-old. There have been suggestions that he is 'very open' to making a controversial move to the Emirates and crossing the North London divide, much like Sol Campbell back in 2001.
Romero has three years left on his contract with Spurs but seems destined to head for the exit door. The club's fanbase has shown a desire to see him depart due to on-and off-field issues last season.
Romano on Tottenham Selling Romero to Arsenal
Romero has yet to join up with his Tottenham teammates for pre-season as he's been given time off following the World Cup. While he has been linked with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Serie A club Inter Milan, talk of a potential move to Arsenal has only further damaged his relationship with Spurs fans.
The chances of the Argentine centre-back joining the Gunners appear to be slim though as Romano revealed that the Lilywhites' hierachy don't want to sell to their rivals. He said on his YouTube channel:
"My understanding is that Tottenham Hotspur (club, board, ownership) have clearly decided not to sell Cuti Romero to Arsenal. So, despite all the links, all the rumours, all the stories, my understanding is that Tottenham will not entertain talks with Arsenal for Romero. Tottenham don't want to let a player go to Arsenal because of the rivalry they have."
Romero has been with Spurs since the summer of 2022 when he arrived from Italian side Atalanta. He's since made over 150 appearances and was a member of the 2024-25 Europa League-winning team.
Arsenal have been exploring the market for a new centre-back following William Saliba's back injury at the World Cup. The Frenchman is set to be on the sidelines for an extended period, meaning he'll miss the start of the season.
Stats courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 09/08/2026
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Cristian Romero has picked up 36 yellow cards and four red cards in his Premier League career
Romero, whom Micky van de Ven dubbed "world-class", is a divisive player, but when he's at his best, he's regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His temperament is an issue, and many in the Gunners' fanbase are wary of adding this sort of character to Mikel Arteta's squad.
Tottenham Must Sell Romero Abroad
Tottenham clearly need to sell Romero, but not to Arsenal, who may have relished the chance to pull off another Campbell-like transfer just as much as adding the player's qualities to Arteta's squad. If reports are true, and he is prepared to join the Gunners, it's another indication that he doesn't belong at Spurs, let alone as captain.
A sale abroad is the solution, but as we enter the final weeks of the transfer window, the pressure grows on the club to offload him. He remains one of the Lilywhites' highest earners, purportedly earning £195,000 per week.
Tottenham transfer targets:
Cody Gakpo - Big proposal required for Liverpool attacker
Savinho - Growing confidence over signing Man City star
Junior Kroupi - Pursuit halted due to Bournemouth star's injury
Pedro Neto - Interested but viewed as Savinho alternative