Tottenham are closing in on Cristian Romero after agreeing personal terms with the Argentine but still have to decide on a fee with Atalanta.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Cristian Romero as a transfer looks imminent. The North London side will now discuss terms with Atalanta over a fee for the Argentine defender as Fabio Paratici puts his plans for the club in place.
Tottenham might conclude their search for a central defender with the signing of Romero. Nothing has been agreed between the clubs so far, but a transfer looks close on all sides. Atalanta are willing to sell the player, and Spurs look keen to snap him up, although the Italian club’s asking price could be high.
Romano, in typical fashion, tweeted out the news of Tottenham agreeing on personal terms with Romero. He also quashes rumours that the Argentine rejected the North London side and stated that a switch to the Premier League could be possible.
Additionally, Romano also suggested Atalanta could be asking a fee as high as €55 million for Tottenham to seal the deal. In another tweet, he said the €55 million could be including add-ons, and there has been no indication of Spurs not being willing to pay that amount. However, both clubs will have prolonged discussions in the coming days.
Talks ongoing between Atalanta and Tottenham for Cristian Romero after personal terms agreed, as revealed today. €55m price tag to be discussed also including add ons. ⚪️ #THFC
Atalanta planning for many options to replace Romero if he leaves: Sven Botman is still in the list.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2021
Tottenham technical director Fabio Paratici signed Romero during his reign at Juventus. While the Argentine failed to get into the Bianconeri side and displace Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs De Ligt, he was sent on loan to Atalanta last season.
Atalanta were smart enough to include a €16 million buy option in the deal and duly exercised it in the close season. Romero was named the Serie A defender of the year and won the Copa America with Argentina playing a key role. Those honours have helped skyrocket his value, and Juventus might be kicking their heels in dismay.
However, Atalanta can develop Romero further and solidify their central defensive option for the coming season. The Italian club have chosen to cash in on him, and Tottenham seem like the destination for the Argentine.
Spurs have been looking for defensive signings during this summer. They have been linked with several names, including Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, who could also sign up for the club. Elsewhere other targets are either too expensive or not willing to join the North London club.
Jules Kounde was linked with Tottenham offering £25 million-plus Davinson Sanchez to Sevilla. The Spanish side were interested in the deal, but the Frenchman himself rejected the advances. That offer for Kounde indicated Spurs wanted to move on Sanchez, and the Colombian could be sold to generate more funds.
As things stand, Romero could be a major defensive signing for Spurs, who are also bracing themselves for a huge £160 million offer from Man City for star striker Harry Kane. Tottenham could also be looking to sign more players in different positions before the transfer window closes.
