Inter Transfer Market: Roberto De Zerbi Makes a Cryptic Comment on Cristian Romero
Inter Transfer News: Cristian Romero Is on His Way from Tottenham, but Roberto De Zerbi Is Putting the Brakes On. The Brescia-born coach has been cited by many sources across the Channel as one of the key factors behind the Argentine defender’s departure from the Spurs, yet just as the deal seems poised to be finalized, a potential setback has emerged. That said, it’s worth noting this could simply be a pre-negotiation tactic.
“I exchanged messages with Cuti both yesterday and this morning. I did so to coordinate his arrival in London; the transfer market has nothing to do with it. So I really don’t know what to say, especially since it’s not my job. I know Tottenham has several options on the table, but I don’t follow them. Ask Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham,” De Zerbi said on the sidelines of the victory over Chelsea in Sydney. If that’s the case, before giving the green light to Inter, Romero would likely have to make at least one stop and possibly hold talks with his potential future former coach.
According to the latest rumors reported by ‘ESPN Argentina,’ Inter has already reached a verbal agreement with the Spurs for 40 million euros. This figure is lower than the defender’s initial valuation, which was around 50 million, but the Nerazzurri reportedly managed to secure it by capitalizing on Tottenham’s weak position, as the club is determined not to keep a player who is no longer part of their technical plans on the roster. However, the two sides still need to bridge the gap on salary: Romero is reported to have asked for 6 million euros net per season, a figure Inter is carefully evaluating, with a gap of about 500,000 euros still to be closed.
For Romero, this would mark a return to Serie A following his stints with Genoa and Atalanta, prior to his 2022 transfer to Tottenham for 53 million euros. In Milan, the Argentine would also be reunited with Lautaro Martínez, his teammate on the World Cup-winning Albiceleste—a card that Beppe Marotta has already tried to play in negotiations with the player’s representatives. The Nerazzurri captain has known Romero for years and shares a history with him on the Argentine national team—a bond that could prove decisive when the final decision is made.
However, Inter is not alone in the race for the defender. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid remain in the background, ready to capitalize on any slowdown in the negotiations. The Nerazzurri therefore cannot afford to hesitate, especially since competition for “Cuti” is fierce and his desire to leave London is now well known: De Zerbi himself had already publicly confirmed in recent days that he had never called Romero to convince him to stay, respecting the player’s decision.
It’s worth noting that Tottenham has already taken steps to shore up its defense by signing Jean Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. On the incoming transfer front, however, the Spurs have made significant investments in midfield, bringing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle to London for 115 million euros—a figure that makes him the most expensive Italian player of all time—and Matheus Fernandes from West Ham. It is precisely the need to cover these expenses that could push the London club’s management—led by Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, with the support of Fabio Paratici—to quickly reach an agreement on Romero’s transfer and avoid further depreciation of the player’s market value.
