Arsenal have been credited with surprise interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 5).
The Gunners recently suffered an untimely setback as William Saliba sustained a back injury at the World Cup. The club have confirmed that the Frenchman will be sidelined for an ‘extended period‘.
Saliba’s absence could see Arsenal invest in an experienced centre-back. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is highly regarded, but there is a big valuation gap between the clubs.
While Arsenal value him between £30-35 million, Villa want around £60m for his sale.
Amidst this, Corriere dello Sport have dropped a surprise story. They claim that Inter Milan are yet to reach a suitable agreement with Tottenham for Romero’s transfer.
This could open the door for other clubs to capitalise. Arsenal and Chelsea are mentioned as the ‘main rivals’ to pursue his signature, while Barcelona are likewise in the mix.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Romero due to rivalry
The Argentina international has accumulated over 150 appearances during his five seasons at Tottenham.
Romero is a good central defender, but he has been vastly injury-prone. The 28-year-old has missed over 70 games for club and country with injuries since he arrived at Tottenham from Atalanta, initially on loan.
His discipline has been another cause for concern. Last season, Romero was sent off twice in the Premier League. He is currently nursing a fresh injury sustained in the World Cup final loss to Spain.
Spurs value him at around £50 million, but may have to settle for less to sanction an exit.
Corriere dello Sport have placed Arsenal in the mix for his signature, but that is something which is never going to happen. Arsenal and Spurs don’t do money transfers due to the fierce rivalry.
Legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings was the last player to cross the divide in a cash transfer almost five decades ago.
Sol Campbell has since been the most high-profile player to make the switch directly, but he arrived on a free transfer in 2001.
Hence, Romero, described as ‘unbelievable‘ by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, is unlikely to come close to joining Arsenal.
The story could be agent-driven to persuade Inter to speed up talks.
Stats from Transfermarkt