Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi are at the Emirates Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, according to The Athletic.
Mikel Arteta’s side have made reinforcing their defence a priority ahead of the new Premier League campaign. With William Saliba facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a back issue, Arsenal’s recruitment team are actively exploring elite options to bolster their backline.
Romero, a 28-year-old World Cup winner, has emerged as an intriguing target. Known for his aggressive front-foot defending, physical presence, and composure in build-up play, the former Serie A Defender of the Year possesses the exact profile Arteta values in his defence.
The defender’s situation at Tottenham has grown increasingly uncertain following a turbulent period, including friction with fans over a trip to Argentina for medical treatment. With Spurs open to offers for a fee around £40 million, several European heavyweights—including Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan—are circling for his signature.
Despite Arsenal’s willingness to sign the defender, completing a direct transfer between North London rivals presents significant historical and institutional hurdles. The Tottenham hierarchy remain extremely reluctant to sanction a move to their arch-rivals, making overseas options like Atletico Madrid strong contenders in this multi-club battle.
However, Arsenal’s persistent interest signals their intent to pounce should negotiations with European suitors stall. If the Gunners can navigate the complex politics of a cross-town transfer, landing a defender of Romero’s pedigree would represent one of the most remarkable signings of the summer window.