Arsenal have been dragged into the transfer saga surrounding Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, with Italian reports naming the Gunners as surprise suitors for the Argentine defender this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s search for defensive reinforcements has intensified following William Saliba’s back injury sustained at the World Cup, with the Frenchman set to be sidelined for an extended period as he undergoes a rehabilitation program rather than surgery. That setback has pushed Arsenal to explore experienced centre-back options, and Romero’s uncertain future in north London has presented an unlikely opportunity.
Corriere dello Sport were the first to report Arsenal’s interest, with the story later relayed through Sport Witness and picked up widely across the English press. The Gunners now find themselves alongside Barcelona in the race, though both are currently playing catch-up to Inter Milan, who remain the clear front-runners for Romero’s signature.
Inter’s interest in Romero is far from new, and the Serie A champions have already held direct contact with the defender’s representatives, who are said to be open to a return to Italian football. Despite the growing interest from north London, there has reportedly been little concrete movement on a deal in the days since the World Cup concluded, even with pre-season now well underway and just weeks remaining before the new campaign kicks off.
Some in the media have suggested Arsenal’s name being floated in Italian outlets may be more about strengthening Romero’s negotiating hand with Inter than reflecting genuine interest from Arteta’s side. Chelsea have also been mentioned in the conversation, though their pursuit of Maxence Lacroix could lessen their need for another centre-back.
Any switch between Tottenham and Arsenal would be extraordinary given the rivalry between the two clubs, and question marks remain over whether Romero would even entertain a move that could damage his standing with the Tottenham faithful. The Argentine has been a defensive mainstay since arriving from Atalanta in 2021, and his leadership, aerial presence and ball-playing ability have made him one of the first names on the team sheet under successive managers.
Tottenham’s business elsewhere has hinted that the club may already be preparing for life without their captain, with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi seen by some as early cover. Romero’s contract runs until 2029, though, giving Spurs considerable leverage in any negotiations regardless of which club eventually wins the race.
With Inter yet to finalise a package that satisfies Tottenham’s valuation, the door remains at least partially open for rivals to capitalise. Arsenal’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue to a transfer saga that shows no sign of resolving quickly, and all parties will be watching closely as the summer window edges toward its final weeks.
