TEAMtalk

Fabrizio Romano has reported the decision that Tottenham Hotspur have made about selling Cristian Romero to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Romero will leave Tottenham this summer, and bitter north London rivals Arsenal are trying to sign him.

On August 6, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who has over 392,000 followers on X, reported on his website that Arsenal are “pushing hard for Romero”.

Pedulla reported that Tottenham want €40million (£34.2m, $46m) for Romero, with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan also keen on the defender.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Inter are unable to reach an agreement on personal terms with Romero.

We understand that Romero has already agreed on a four-year contract with Atletico.

Arsenal in contact for Cristian Romero

Arsenal, though, have been in contact with the agents of Romero, as Romano reported this week.

The transfer guru said on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero.

“Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero.

“What’s the point?

“The relationship, Arsenal Tottenham is obviously a complicated relationship.

“Way easier for Tottenham to give the green light to Atletico Madrid.

“My understanding is that the clear favourites to sign Cuti Romero now are Atletico Madrid.

“The player is negotiating with them.

“Atletico Madrid are negotiating with Tottenham.

“So, Atletico are on it.

“Inter had an agreement with Tottenham for some time, but Inter, if they do not sell Benjamin Pavard, they can’t proceed, and also they still don’t have an agreement on the contract.

“So, this depends on the outgoings for Inter.

“Atletico Madrid are already in negotiations.

“Arsenal asked for information, but Tottenham don’t want to sell to Arsenal.

“So, the only way would be an historical green light from Tottenham to Arsenal.

“Let’s see what’s going to happen on that one, but I expect Arsenal to go for a centre-back.”

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Tottenham will NOT sell Cristian Romero to Arsenal

Romano has now brought an update on the situation, reporting that Tottenham have decided not to sell Romero to Arsenal, with Atletico to make a second bid for the Argentina international centre-back.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Let me clarify one thing.

“My understanding, guys, is that Tottenham Hotspur, and when I say Tottenham Hotspur, it’s about the board, the management, the ownership, so the three most important parts of the club, 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 Cuti Romero.

“Should this change, I will be here and let you know, but Tottenham don’t want to let the player go to Arsenal because of the rivalry they have with Arsenal, of course.

“And so, this is the position.

“So, I don’t think we should talk about Arsenal receiving bad news or something like that.

“It’s just that there could be conversations, there could be talks, but Tottenham don’t want to sell the player to Arsenal.

“This is the position as of today.

“Again, should that change, the market is crazy, I will be here and tell you.

“Atletico Madrid are in active talks with Tottenham.

“Atletico Madrid made an opening bid of €30million plus add-ons rejected.

“Atletico Madrid will return with a new bid closer to €40m, so Atletico Madrid will be back to the table, and Atletico believe they can sign Cuti Romero.

“Atletico are optimistic.”

Cristian Romero wants to join Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to a Spurs insider, who has also revealed ENIC’s stance on selling the defender to the Premier League champions.

Arsenal and Tottenham are bitter north London rivals, but that has not stopped the Gunners from trying to sign Romero.

Earlier this week, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who has more than 392,000 followers on X, reported that Arsenal are “pushing hard for Romero”.

This followed TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reporting that Romero has a deal in place with Atletico Madrid.

Sources have told us that Tottenham are willing to sell the Argentina international central defender for £38million.

Inter Milan are also interested in Romero, but it is Atletico who are in the lead for his signature.

However, Arsenal are in contact with the agents of Romero, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Romero himself is said to be open to the idea of crossing the North London divide and swap Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Emirates Stadium.

Reliable Arsenal-related X account with over 398,000 followers, HandofArsenal, posted at 11:04am on August 8: “Regardless of if we sign Romero, the player was / is VERY open to joining us.”

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Romero wants Arsenal but Tottenham will not do business

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has brought an update on the situation, claiming that Romero does indeed fancy a move to Arsenal because of his Argentine compatriot Gabriel Heinze being a first-team coach at the Gunners.

However, Spurs owners ENIC will not sell Romero to Arsenal, according to O’Keefe.

O’Keefe posted on X at 1:57pm on August 8 while responding to a Tottenham fan: “Sounds like you’re at the denial stage.

“He won’t go there because Spurs won’t entertain it but he’s been twerking for them to join in the race due to his relationship with the Arsenal assistant coach.”

Regarding Tottenham selling Romero to Arsenal, O’Keefe noted: “Absolutely no chance Spurs deal with them so no.”

When further probed on whether Tottenham would sell Romero to Arsenal for the right price, O’Keefe said: “Not a chance.

“Plus Arsenal wouldn’t pay massively over the odds anyway.”

The Tottenham insider, who has almost 179,000 followers on X, added: “Spurs won’t allow it but all initiated by his camp.”

Cristian Romero has decided whether he would consider a bombshell move from Tottenham Hotspur to rivals Arsenal this summer, according to a Gunners insider.

Romero is expected to be sold by Tottenham this summer to help fund Roberto De Zerbi’s ongoing rebuild in N17. The centre-back has been given a price tag of £34-38million amid interest from European giants Inter Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla was the first to reveal that Arsenal are considering shock talks for Romero, and Fabrizio Romano subsequently confirmed their interest.

Romano said on Friday: “On Cuti Romero. I expect Arsenal to sign a centre-back. So, for sure, Arsenal are looking at centre-backs on the market.

“Then, this could be probably one of the next priorities, we will see also about the winger of course, and then Bruno Guimaraes official.

“Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero. Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero.

“The relationship, Arsenal [and] Tottenham, is obviously a complicated relationship.

“[It is] way easier for Tottenham to give the green light to Atletico Madrid.

“My understanding is that the clear favourites to sign Cuti Romero now are Atletico Madrid.”

As per trusted Arsenal source Hand of Arsenal, who has 398,000 followers on X/Twitter, Romero is a potential centre-half target for Mikel Arteta’s side after they announced the capture of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.

The post claims Romero ‘was / is VERY open to joining’ Arsenal, despite his strong ties with Spurs. Such a transfer would cause uproar among Spurs supporters.

However, Spurs would likely demand far more from Arsenal for the Argentine than his other suitors, given the fact they are fierce rivals.

Arsenal surprisingly involved in Cristian Romero race

We revealed on Thursday that Atleti have begun the process of hijacking Inter’s move for Romero by agreeing personal terms with him.

Inter have not been able to agree such terms, while talks are also being slowed by the fact they need to sell Benjamin Pavard first.

Romano has revealed that Barca still have time to enter the race for the 28-year-old as Atleti have not yet closed the deal.

Barca have offloaded Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, potentially making room for Romero in their squad.

The chase for Romero is clearly still very much open. While he is happy to join Arsenal, it would be a huge surprise if such a transfer actually went ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero could be the subject of a bidding war following reports that Barcelona are considering entering the race for the Argentine.

Romero swapped Atalanta for Tottenham in 2021, and since then he has scored 13 goals and made 156 appearances, while helping them win the Europa League last year.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the centre-back wants to end his adventure at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a move to Europe looking likely.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have covered their tracks in defence after spending £52m on Brighton and Hove Albion centre-half Jan Paul van Hecke, while TEAMtalk revealed this week that Micky van de Ven has agreed a new five-year deal with Spurs.

The north London team also have Kevin Danso as a centre-back option, although they did sell highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic for £46m last month.

In recent weeks, Romero has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and even Arsenal, although a switch to Tottenham’s London rivals seems fanciful.

The former Juventus player, who has also played in Serie A with Genoa, still has just under three years left on his current deal so if he does go, Tottenham want a good £40m for his services.

TEAMtalk previously outlined how Romero’s move to Inter was stalling over the player’s personal terms and now Fabrizio Romano has echoed something similar.

Barcelona consider Cristian Romero pursuit

The transfer expert states that Inter are still “far away” from striking a deal for Romero and that Atletico are getting ready to send a fresh offer to Tottenham for his signature.

However, after Barcelona green-lit centre-back Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool this week, the Blaugrana are mulling over whether or not to bid for Romero – who has been on their radar for quite some time, without ever being a top target.

Romano said on his YouTube channel on Saturday, “Inter, at the moment, are far away. For Inter, it’s a very complicated deal, because of several reasons. Also, because Inter are not selling players, and so, at the moment, they cannot proceed.

“Atletico Madrid are preparing a new official bid to Tottenham. They already sent a bid to Spurs, and they are preparing a second proposal. But Atletico Madrid, at the moment, still don’t have any agreement closed with Romero.

“They are talking with Romero, they are talking with the agent, but still no agreement closed. So now, if Barcelona want to enter in the Cuti Romero race, they still have space.

“They still have the possibility. But this will depend on Barca. Now, Cuti Romero is in negotiations with Atletico Madrid as a priority, so this one will depend on Barca, whether they want to enter or not.”

Romero added that with Araujo seemingly heading to Liverpool on loan, that saves them a “big salary”, with the Uruguay international reportedly on wages in excess of £200,000 a week.

He describes this as a “crucial deal” for Barca but whether they make a concrete move for Romero remains to be seen.

Micky van de Ven has agreed a new five-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur after a remarkable turnaround in his future at the club, TEAMtalk can confirm.

We exclusively revealed last month that Van de Ven had become open to signing fresh terms after previously informing Tottenham he was prepared to leave north London.

At the time, sources indicated that the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the manager had completely changed the Dutch defender’s outlook, and those discussions have now resulted in an agreement.

The 25-year-old is now set to commit his long-term future to Spurs in a deal that will make him one of the club’s highest earners.

We understand that Van de Ven has agreed terms on a contract that will almost double his current salary, reflecting both his importance to the squad and Tottenham’s determination to keep one of their most valuable assets.

Van de Ven had serious doubts about remaining at Spurs at the turn of the year, with uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction leading him to believe his future lay elsewhere.

Interest was building too, with sources telling us that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United had all been monitoring Van de Ven’s situation closely.

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Roberto De Zerbi convinces Micky van de Ven

However, De Zerbi’s arrival has transformed the mood inside the club.

The Italian not only guided Tottenham to safety during last season’s relegation battle but has quickly convinced key members of the squad that the club is once again moving in the right direction.

Sources say Van de Ven has been one of the biggest believers in De Zerbi’s project after holding a number of conversations with the new head coach over the summer.

TEAMtalk also understands that, with Argentine defender Cristian Romero expected to leave Tottenham in the coming days – most likely for Atletico Madrid – Van de Ven has held discussions with De Zerbi about taking on the captaincy.

While no final decision has been made, the Netherlands international centre-back is understood to be one of the leading candidates to inherit the armband as the club enters a new era.

De Zerbi has also played a central role in Tottenham’s ambitious recruitment drive, with the arrivals of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke reinforcing the belief that Spurs are building a squad capable of challenging much higher up the Premier League table.

We understand that Van de Ven sees himself as a cornerstone of that project and is excited by the direction Tottenham are heading under De Zerbi.

Van de Ven now follows Pedro Porro and Antonin Kinsky in committing his long-term future to Tottenham in recent months, with all three players opting to sign new contracts as they buy into De Zerbi’s vision for the club.

Internally, Spurs view those renewals as every bit as important as their summer signings, believing they have secured the core of the squad for years to come.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed all on a potentially ‘historical’ transfer between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal involving Argentine defender Cristian Romero.

The centre-back is poised to leave Tottenham this summer as Roberto De Zerbi takes his side in a new direction. Inter Milan emerged as early frontrunners for Romero, but we confirmed on July 31 that their talks had lost momentum.

Sources informed us on Thursday that Atletico Madrid have hijacked the transfer by agreeing personal terms with Romero, a development which has seen them move into pole position for his capture.

It emerged yesterday that Spurs’ rivals Arsenal had launched a shock enquiry for Romero, and their interest has now been confirmed by Romano.

“On Cuti Romero. I expect Arsenal to sign a centre-back. So, for sure, Arsenal are looking at centre-backs on the market,” the journalist said on his YouTube channel.

“Then, this could be probably one of the next priorities, we will see also about the winger of course, and then Bruno Guimaraes official.

“Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero. Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero.

“The relationship, Arsenal [and] Tottenham, is obviously a complicated relationship.

“[It is] way easier for Tottenham to give the green light to Atletico Madrid.

“My understanding is that the clear favourites to sign Cuti Romero now are Atletico Madrid.

“The player is negotiating with them, Atletico Madrid are negotiating with Tottenham.

“Inter had an agreement with Tottenham for some time. But Inter, if they don’t sell Benjamin Pavard, they can’t proceed, and also they still don’t have an agreement on the contract [with Romero].

“So, Arsenal ask for information, but Tottenham don’t want to sell to Arsenal, so the only way would be an historical green light from Tottenham to Arsenal.

Arsenal also eyeing Ezri Konsa

“But I expect Arsenal to go for a centre-back. Another player they appreciate is [Ezri] Konsa at Aston Villa, so [that’s] another name we should follow closely in the next weeks.”

Spurs reportedly want £34-38m to sell Romero.

We revealed on July 17 that Arsenal had begun to target Villa star Konsa after William Saliba’s back injury.

But it was reported on Thursday that Villa are willing to sacrifice Emi Martinez if it means they can keep Konsa from the clutches of Arsenal or Liverpool.

Meanwhile, we can confirm Arsenal’s other attacking options after missing out on Vinicius Junior.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the chances of Liverpool selling Cody Gakpo to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, as another journalist lays the conditions for a deal to happen between Andoni Iraola’s side and Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

On August 2, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that Tottenham were in talks with Gakpo’s camp.

Sources has told us that Gakpo is open to leaving Liverpool for Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool are willing to sell Gakpo for £72million.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now brought an update on Gakpo’s situation.

According to the Italian journalist, while Liverpool are not actively trying to sell Gakpo, the Merseyside club will do a deal with Tottenham if they get a good proposal.

Romano said on The Market Madness: “For Gakpo, I think it really depends on the financial package because Liverpool never wanted to sell Gakpo.

“It’s never been a priority this summer, so they are very happy with Gakpo, also, Andoni Iraola, the board.

“So, if a big proposal financially arrives and if the player is keen on the move, Liverpool could consider this possibility; otherwise, they are not desperate to sell Gakpo, so that’s why the situation is at the moment, I would say 50-50, but Tottenham are trying.

“Tottenham are there, Tottenham are talking with the agents, so I think there is still a chance, a good chance to see this happening.”

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Tottenham will fail with Cody Gakpo bid NOW

TalkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, though, has reported that Liverpool will not sell Gakpo to Tottenham now, as Andoni Iraola’s side need to add wingers to their squad first.

Jacobs said on talkSPORT: “Liverpool’s preference is to keep (hold of Gakpo), that won’t change unless they add one if not two attack-minded players.

“Then possibly towards the middle or the end of the window, maybe not today, tomorrow, but by the time we get into mid-August and beyond, if Liverpool get what they need in the market, Cody Gakpo’s position could change a little bit.

“But, for now, it’s been described to me by sources as a ‘fool’s errand’ to negotiate with Liverpool for Gakpo now because they’re going to reject everything until such a point where they know one if not two players are going to come in.

“With Bradley Barcola being the top target and interest also in Ibrahim Mbaye amongst other players as well.

“And my sense is two would need to come in for Liverpool to change their stance, but Tottenham are serious about Cody Gakpo and that would in addition, according to my information, to Savinho, who Spurs are also working on.

“But before that one unlocks, it’s less about the finances and it’s more about Man City lining up a replacement.”

Arsenal are planning a shock raid on Tottenham Hotspur for Cristian Romero, according to a top Italian journalist, as TEAMtalk reveals the club that the defender has already agreed to join this summer.

Tottenham and Arsenal are bitter north London rivals, but that has not stopped the Gunners from trying to sign Romero.

Romero is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and is a key player for Tottenham.

However, the Argentina international centre-back has decided that he will leave Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham this summer.

With William Saliba facing a spell on the sidelines due to a back injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta want to sign a new centre-back and have targeted Tottenham star Romero.

Journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who has over 392,000 followers on X, has reported that Arsenal have been pushing hard to get a deal done with Tottenham for Romero.

The Italian reporter has added that Atletico Madrid are in direct contact with Tottenham over a deal for Romero, who will cost €40million (£34.2m, $46m) in transfer fees.

Pedulla wrote on his website: “We can add that in just a few minutes, direct contact has been established between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid to get to the heart of the matter.

“Atletico is moving forward, and an agreement with Cuti would not be a problem.

“It’s the same deal Inter reached last Friday (after previously reaching an agreement worth around €40 million for his transfer with Tottenham).

“We explained that it was a way to get ahead of the competition, but that the deal would be unlocked by a sale, a top priority.

“Pavard in particular offered to the entire world but without much appeal; furthermore, the Frenchman has so far rejected the few offers the Nerazzurri have received.

“And so, it was inevitable that competition would return: Atletico Madrid had started with a lower price for the player, and will have to reach at least the famous €40 million.

“Arsenal have also been pushing hard for Romero in recent days, but relations with Tottenham have been frosty for years.

“We’ll have to wait for the final steps, but right now, Atlético are leading the race for the Argentine central defender.”

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Cristian Romero wants to join Atletico Madrid – sources

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Cristian Romero wants to join Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window.

Sources have told us that Romero, who played for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, has agreed on a four-year deal with LaLiga club Atletico.

Bailey said: “Inter had previously negotiated a deal with Tottenham worth up to £38million, but we understand the Serie A champions were unable to agree personal terms with Romero.

“Atletico, however, have succeeded where Inter fell short as they push to hijack the deal.

“Sources have confirmed Romero has agreed a contract on terms similar to those he currently earns at Tottenham, removing one of the biggest obstacles to completing the transfer.

“The defender has long admired Simeone and views the opportunity to play under his fellow Argentine as the ideal next step in his career.”

Liverpool will be hugely disappointed to learn that Djed Spence’s people have offered the Tottenham Hotspur star to Manchester United, with Red Devils manager Michael Carrick looking for a left-back, according to a journalist.

On July 14, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported that Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Spence from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Sources told us at the time that Newcastle United and Inter Milan, too, are interested in Spence, who can operate as a right-back or as a left-back and starred for England at the 2026 World Cup.

It emerged earlier on August 6 that Tottenham are willing to sell Spence for £35millon this summer.

While Liverpool will find the price tag of the Tottenham star £35m appealing, Andoni Iraola’s side will be disappointed to learn that Spence’s people have offered him to Man Utd, too.

Man Utd are looking to sign a left-back and have made Lewis Hall their number one target.

However, Newcastle United do not want to sell the England international this summer.

The Sun journalist Tom Barclay wrote on X at 10:48am on August 6: “Understand Liverpool do have some interest in Djed Spence (as per @szyexcl).

“Told there are other clubs whose interest currently seems stronger, but let’s see how it develops.

“Spence’s price tag believed to be around £35m, seems increasingly likely he’ll leave #thfc this summer”

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Djed Spence ‘offered’ to Man Utd

Journalist Ben Jacobs said on The United Stand: “Obviously, the other option is more of a two-sided full-back.

“You may remember, in kind of March, April, we were speaking of how if they had a kind of left-winger that could drop into left wing-back, they might sign a right-sided full-back that can switch sides.

“And Djed Spence is a name on the player’s side that has been offered around.

“He has been offered to Liverpool, he has been offered to Manchester United.

“I am not aware yet whether the club’s interested in that deal, but Spence wants to go somewhere and play week in week out, whether it’s on the right and whether it’s on the left, so his future might be broadly one to watch again.

“I don’t think Man Utd at this point have said we want Djed Spence, we are going to move for Djed Spence, we are going to negotiate for Djed Spence, but the Spence side are offering him around to Premier League clubs because with Pedro Porro on one side and Destiny Udogie on the other and after a very positive World Cup, Spence can’t guarantees he is going to play every week at Tottenham Hotspur, and that’s why he is assessing his options even though Roberto De Zerbi would love to keep him as a squad player.”

Tottenham Hotspur are among the Premier League clubs to have been offered Victor Osimhen this summer, as the Nigerian striker looks to secure a move to English football, TEAMtalk understands.

Whether Spurs ultimately decide to pursue a deal for the highly rated forward is another matter entirely. What is clear, however, is that the north London club remain keen on bringing in a top-class striker to lead the line under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian is in the process of shaping and rebuilding the squad to suit his preferred style of play, and a clinical number nine is high on his shopping list.

Yet any move for Osimhen would first require Tottenham to sell either Dominic Solanke or Richarlison in order to create space both in the squad and in the wage bill.

Osimhen has built a strong reputation as a powerful, energetic and prolific goalscorer, and his desire for a Premier League challenge has been well documented. Several English clubs have been made aware of his availability, with Spurs one of those sounded out by those representing the player.

De Zerbi’s preference for a high-quality centre-forward is understandable. A proven marksman of Osimhen’s calibre could significantly improve Tottenham’s attacking output and help the side push for a higher league finish.

Tottenham face tough choice

At the same time, the club must carefully manage their existing options. Solanke has shown flashes of quality since joining but has struggled with injuries, while Richarlison continues to offer versatility and experience across the front line.

Deciding which of the current strikers to move on would not be straightforward, particularly given the need to maintain balance and harmony within the dressing room. Considerations over financial regulations also play a part in any potential transaction.

As the transfer window continues, Spurs’ hierarchy will weigh the opportunity carefully.

Landing Osimhen would represent a significant statement of intent, but only if the necessary outgoing deals can first be agreed and they are willing to pay his huge wages.

Currently Osimhen’s gross pay is €360,000 (£309,000) per week, which after tax (which is 20 per cent for professional footballers in Turkey) becomes €288,000 (£247,000).

That would already make the Nigerian by far the highest earner at Tottenham.

But given Osimhen would be taxed 45 per cent of his wages in England, Spurs would have to pay far above what he currently earns in order to make the sums even.