Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on the capture of top target Cristian Romero, with Atalanta accepting their £43 million bid.
According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt with a massive boost in their pursuit of Cristian Romero as their £43 million bid has been accepted by Atalanta. It is a crucial development in arguably the most important transfer saga for the north Londoners this summer, as new coach Nuno Espirito Santo hopes for defensive reinforcements.
Romero has reportedly been identified as the desired long-term replacement for Toby Alderweireld. The ageing defender has recently moved on, joining Qatari outfit Al-Duhail. His departure represents a change of era at Spurs as old guards like Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen make way for new faces.
That is where Cristian Romero comes into the fray, having had a meteoric rise to prominence since joining Atalanta last summer on a two-year loan deal. The 23-year-old featured in 31 league appearances for La Dea, helping them finish inside the top four, thanks to his excellent defensive partnership with Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti.
The former Genoa starlet was involved in Argentina’s elusive Copa America success this summer, playing a vital role at centre-back alongside Nicolas Otamendi. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed either, with Tottenham not only targeting him as a replacement for Alderweireld but also the potential face of the club’s defensive unit.
Spurs’ current crop of defensive talents does read a sorry figure with the defensive trifecta of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon not only being able to fulfil their duties at the heart of the backline. While Sanchez and Rodon are still young, Dier certainly faces a precarious situation, and that is where Romero is expected to fit in.
The Argentine international should serve as a more stable, composed and technical alternative for the Englishman, as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to weave his magic. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Romero himself is keen on joining Spurs, especially with FC Barcelona also in contention to sign the 23-year-old.
If the Premier League giants do miss out, they have an ideal alternative in Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Bologna starlet has even reportedly agreed personal terms with the Lilywhites, although the club’s main priority will be to secure the services of both these centre-backs this summer.
