Tottenham Hotspur are currently in the market for a centre-back. Their primary target is said to be the Argentina International Cristian Romero. The 23-year-old defender has been impressive in the Serie A for Atalanta. He appeared in a total of 42 games for Atalanta in all competitions last season and he was an integral part of the squad too.
According to many reports from the Italian and English media, Spurs are working on a deal to sign the defender. The player too is keen on the move to North London. According to Italian Sports journalist Gianluigi Longari, Tottenham have had a bid turned down for Romero. The bid that was lodged today is said to have been £35 million + £10 million bonuses.
More:#Atalanta turned down first #Tottenham bid for #Romero: 35M + 10M bonus @tvdellosport #THFC
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) July 22, 2021
Atalanta’s asking price is around £55 million which is well away from Tottenham Hotspur’s budget. Spurs have been trying to generate funds through sales but they have failed so far since they have not sold anyone from the seven man list they had produced a few weeks ago.
But there might be a middle ground here for Spurs because Atalanta are interested in their defender Davinson Sanchez. Spurs have been trying to sell the defender for quite some time now but they haven’t been able to do so. A player plus cash deal could be perfect for Spurs who cannot afford the £55 million price tag on Cristian Romero. Player plus cash deals are often difficult due to their structure. It might take a lot of time if the two clubs try to settle down for a player plus cash deal.
While the Atalanta CEO has been playing hardball and doesn’t wish to budge down regarding their man. The CEO while speaking to the press said, “It is obvious that Cristian had an extraordinary season; he was awarded as the best defender of Serie A. The interest is normal. The principle we have followed in recent years is that transfers should strengthen us, not weaken us. This is our idea.”
Even the Catalan giants Barcelona are interested in the young defender. Barcelona are looking to sort their defense out and bring in fresh faces. It would take a lot of effort for Spurs to pull off this deal since many clubs are said to be interested in Cristian Romero.
