Tottenham are prepared to let go of two key defensive cogs this summer, with Djed Spence and Cristian Romero set to head to major European clubs.
Spurs have made three notable defensive additions in Roberto De Zerbi's first summer transfer window. Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi joined as free agents to bolster to left side of the defence, while Jan Paul van Hecke was proactively signed as a Romero replacement.
The club has long suspected the Argentine would be on the move after a torrid 2025/26 campaign, hoping that the World Cup would boost his market. Thankfully, Romero performed excellently for an Argentina team that reached the final.
Suitors have re-emerged in the aftermath, even those folk from down the road. However, there won't be a Sol Campbell 2.0. Romero is set to land where he's been destined to end up.
Romero and Spence both edging closer to Tottenham exits
Fabrizio Romano described Romero's move to Atlético Madrid as "close" on Monday, with the La Liga club set to send Spurs a fresh bid. The Lilywhites ultimately won't earn the fee they want for their captain, but will have to settle for something to get him off their books this summer.
While insiders suggested that Romero was open to treason by joining Arsenal, playing under Diego Simeone in Madrid has always been the Argentine's priority. They're a match made in heaven, with Simeone flirting with the possibility of having Romero under his wing earlier this year.
Atléti's interest cooled for a while, but the World Cup served as a reminder of just how good Romero can be when he's fit and focused. The national team brings the best out of him, and so, you'd expect, will Simeone.
Then there's Spence. One of England's World Cup heroes, a nation has shifted their opinion of the versatile full-back this summer, with the majority believing Spence wasn't worthy of a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad merely because he was part of a Spurs squad that was on the brink of relegation last season.
Spence proved plenty wrong, but De Zerbi isn't a huge fan. While his flexibility is valuable, there are other limitations that mean he isn't the best fit for the Italian's ideals, especially in possession.
Inter Milan, though, are admirers and Fabrizio reports that the Nerazzurri are confident of striking a deal worth less than €40m (£34m). Spurs had been demanding €45m (£38m), but have supposedly softened their stance.
Spence fancies the move, and you can't blame him. That'd be some place for the full-back to land.
Add us as a preferred source on Google