Tottenham have had a breakthrough in discussions with Atalanta for Cristian Romero, with a fee of €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons being agreed on.
According to The Athletic, Tottenham have reached an agreement with Atalanta for central defender Cristian Romero. The two clubs were locked in discussions over the last few weeks but have finally reached a deal costing Spurs €50 million plus add-ons.
While Spurs are dealing with a difficult situation back home concerning Harry Kane forcing a move elsewhere, the club have made a breakthrough in talks over in Italy. The north London club have agreed to terms for the transfer of Romero from Atalanta, and soon other formalities are expected to be completed.
After weeks of hard negotiations and disagreements over the final fee, Tottenham have agreed to pay a sum of €50 million plus an additional €5 million in bonuses. The figure is close to Atalanta’s original asking price, who are already lining up Merih Demiral from Juventus to replace the Argentine.
Romero became a central figure at Atalanta last season, helping the side finish in the top-four and winning the Serie A’s best defender gong. The Argentine centre-half spent last season on loan from Juventus, and Atalanta, rather shrewdly exercised a €16 million buy option inserted in the contract.
The Italian side are in for a massive profit over their investment, which points to excellent business. Moreover, the club were justified in asking for a high transfer fee owing to Romero’s excellent showing with Argentina, helping them win the Copa America.
He fits the ideas of new technical director Fabio Paratici, under whom Spurs are looking to Italy for more transfer targets. Romero is among the many targets Paratici has in mind for Spurs, with Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu being another defender close to signing for the Premier League outfit.
Spurs had to sign a solid central defender after Toby Alderweireld left the club for Qatari club Al-Duhail. Other mainstays such as Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez could also leave following an underwhelming campaign last term. The north London side are also interested in Wolves defender Conor Coady, as their new manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, remains keen on a reunion.
The club could make further moves in other areas of the field before the transfer window shuts. A striker could be a possibility as Spurs remain linked with another Serie A star in Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. Danny Ings could also be an option, but his contractual demands are reportedly too high.
While all the Harry Kane clatter has made the north London sky gloomy at best, Romero’s arrival will bring some light. The defender could prove to be a solid buy after all, and at 23 years old, he has a long-term future at the very top of the game.