Cristian Romero was reportedly considered as William Saliba cover, only for Spurs to shut the door before talks could develop.
Arsenal have reportedly explored a move for Cristian Romero, but Tottenham Hotspur‘s refusal to even entertain the idea may have saved the Gunners from making one of the more stupid signings of the summer.
Arsenal’s interest emerged on Thursday when James McNicholas, writing for The Athletic, reported that the Gunners were among the clubs monitoring Tottenham’s captain.
At the time, Spurs were said to be unaware of Arsenal’s interest, suggesting any contact had come through intermediaries.
Reports now indicate Tottenham have categorically rejected any prospect of selling Romero to their north London rivals, with the club instead prepared to consider offers from abroad.
Given Arsenal’s search for defensive reinforcements following William Saliba‘s back injury, it is understandable that the club are assessing a wide range of options.
Even so, Romero always looked like an unusual fit, to put it kindly.
The Argentina international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most ‘combative’ defenders, and Arsenal’s recent signing of Bruno Guimaraes suggests Mikel Arteta wants to add even more edge to a side that already claimed the Premier League title last season, but it also has to come with a brain attached.
Romero’s disciplinary record and reckless approach have often overshadowed his undoubted ability, and is part of the reason Spurs want rid of him.
Why would Arsenal be open to taking a risk with him? It’s baffling.
Tottenham’s refusal to do business with Arsenal will hopefully, ultimately, prove beneficial for the Gunners, allowing them to focus on targets who better fit the profile they require and aren’t a total liability.
Romero’s future appears more likely to lie outside England.
Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan remain interested, although Inter’s pursuit has stalled after the Italian club reportedly failed to agree personal terms despite reaching a verbal agreement over a fee believed to be around €40 million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atlético are now in direct club-to-club talks with Tottenham and currently lead the race for the defender.
Romano also confirmed Arsenal made enquiries, while adding that Inter first need players to leave before they can revive their interest.
Arsenal’s need for another defender has not changed, but Romero increasingly looks like a name they can thankfully cross off the shortlist.
Sometimes the best transfer is the one that never happens.
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