REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero would be 'very open' to joining Arsenal this summer, according to one reliable insider.
Spurs have had a busy summer transfer window, including the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi in central defence, with the club and the Argentina international open to a move that would see the 28-year-old depart the club following four seasons in north London.
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that the player has already agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club preparing to make an opening bid, with Spurs valuing him at around £35m. But Arsenal have also made contact over a shock move to keep him in north London, and the player's stance has now emerged too.
Romero 'Very Open' to Joining Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur Cristian Romero warms up
Romero, who has been hailed as 'world-class' by teammate Micky Van de Ven, missed the back end of last season due to a knee injury, but recovered in time for the World Cup as he helped Argentina reach a second consecutive final, before he limped off during the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
A move has been expected all summer, with Tottenham already bringing in his replacements during the window, but no deal has been agreed.
Arsenal are understood to be in the market to strengthen their defensive options, having lost star man William Saliba for an extended period due to a back injury, which was exacerbated during the World Cup. Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa has been heavily linked, but Romero is also understood to be someone they are looking at.
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It was reported that the Gunners made enquiries about a deal for the defender, but Spurs immediately ruled out the possibility of selling their captain and star defender to their fierce rivals.
However, according to reliable insider Hand of Arsenal, Romero would be 'very open' to making the same switch that Sol Campbell famously made, regardless of whether the deal ever materialises or not.
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Cristian Romero Premier League Stats 25/26
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Romero Would Join Short List
cristian romero
It doesn't look likely that a deal is on the cards, regardless of whether Romero would be open to it or not. However, should the deal somehow progress and the Argentine at the Emirates Stadium, he would be only the 16th player in history to play for both clubs, and just the fifth in the Premier League era.
Sol Campbell - famously joined Arsenal on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham as captain.
Rohan Ricketts - made one League Cup app for Arsenal before joining Arsenal, where he spent three seasons and made 30 apps in the Premier League.
David Bentley - made nine first-team apps for the Gunners before finding himself at Spurs in 2008. Scored one of the greatest North London Derby goals in Premier League history, too.
William Gallas - from Arsenal captain to Spurs defender, Gallas made 142 appearances in red before joining Spurs on a free transfer and going on to make 78 appearances over three seasons.
Emmanuel Adebayor - Once an Arsenal hero who scored 62 goals in 142 games, he fell out with fans when he joined Man City. Ended up at Spurs for one season, scoring 18 goals in 37 games.