Tottenham is gearing up for a significant defensive overhaul as their summer rebuild progresses under Roberto De Zerbi. With recent additions strengthening the centre-back position, the club might consider parting ways with one of their key players, Cristian Romero, should a suitable offer come in.

Losing the club captain would strip the defense of vital leadership, aggression, and top-level experience. However, Tottenham's proactive recruitment strategy indicates they are preparing for potential departures rather than delaying until the transfer window closes.

Tottenham's Position on Romero

• The club has set an asking price of around £50m for the Argentina international.
• There’s an understanding that they might accept around £40m due to his injury history.

Interest in Romero is growing, with several top European clubs tracking his situation:

• Inter Milan has made inquiries.
• Real Madrid and Barcelona have discussed his potential transfer internally.
• Atlético Madrid has monitored Romero for years and remains interested.

Currently, Barcelona seems to be Romero's preferred choice, as he seeks a new challenge. Reports from talkSPORT suggest that while he favors a move to the Spanish champions, no formal offer has been submitted yet.

Spurs’ Preparations

To mitigate the impact of a potential Romero exit, Tottenham has already secured new defensive signings:

• Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for approximately £52m.
• Marcos Senesi, who joined after his contract with Bournemouth ended.

Additionally, Tottenham is in discussions with Micky van de Ven, aiming to establish him as a cornerstone of their revamped defense. The club recognizes that forcing Romero to stay against his will could lead to distractions during this crucial rebuilding phase.

While £40m might seem low for a World Cup winner in his prime, Tottenham is positioned to negotiate firmly, especially with multiple affluent clubs showing interest. A sale could be advantageous if the funds are reinvested strategically, ensuring the long-term stability of Van de Ven’s role in the team.