Argentina's choatic journey to the World Cup semifinals has allowed Cristian Romero to remain in the shop window, and Spurs are ready to cut ties with their captain after the tournament.
The club moved proactively at the start of the window to sign a ready-made replacement, with Dutchman Jan Paul van Hecke expected to partner compatriot Micky van de Ven next season.
Romero has long been expected to move on this summer after a terrible season as captain. His campaign was compromised by injuries and suspensions, with Roberto De Zerbi requiring Kevin Danso to step up down the stretch after the Argentine suffered a knee injury on the Italian's managerial bow at Sunderland.
While Romero is an outstanding defender on his day and was largely responsible for our Europa League success last year, this feels like the right time to move on. Importantly for Spurs, suitors are re-emerging, and their reported asking price suggests they merely want to get rid.
Spurs have set generous asking price for Cristian Romero
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari (via Daily Hotspur), Spurs value Romero at €50m (£42.6m), which is pretty much what we paid for the defender five years ago.
There's seemingly a gentleman's agreement in place between club and player, so Spurs don't exactly have much leverage. Still, I probably expected us to want more for a defender who's proven himself to be world-class when he wants to be and has had another impressive World Cup.
He has two years on his contract, too.
Romero has previously spoken of his desire to play in Spain, and Barcelona's interest has reportedly been reignited. They're yet to add a centre-back to their books this summer, and their intrigue around Romero dates back to when Lionel Messi was still in Catalonia. Perhaps they'll finally listen to the GOAT's recommendation and sign his compatriot.
However, a return to Italy is also on the table. Inter Milan have enquired about the 28-year-old while also discussing a potential deal for Djed Spence. Financing a deal may prove tricky for the Scudetto holders, mind, even if we believe Spurs valuation of Romero is rather generous.
Inter would be a brilliant destination for Romero, who thrived in Serie A with Atalanta before joining Spurs. The Nerazzurri's back three has been sturdy since the days of Antonio Conte, and those foundations were solidified by Simone Inzaghi and now Cristian Chivu. It's a system Romero thrived in under Gian Piero Gasperini, albeit Inter aren't so man-to-man heavy.
I suspect we'd have to negotiate an initial loan with an obligation to buy outright next summer if Inter end up winning the race.
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