Micky van de Ven: Tottenham highlight leadership qualities as Cristian Romero transfer decision looms | OneFootball

Spurs may already have the perfect Cristian Romero replacement as the club captain is linked with a summer exit

Tottenham and head coach Roberto De Zerbi have highlighted Micky van de Ven’s leadership qualities after the defender signed a new contract.

It was announced on Monday night that the 25-year-old had committed his future to Spurs by putting pen-to-paper on fresh terms, though there could be further good news for the Dutchman imminently.

Cristian Romero is widely expected to leave Tottenham this summer, as negotiations with Atletico Madrid are said to have commenced - but no formal bid has been submitted yet.

Inter Milan, Barcelona and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the central defender, though any deal with the Gunners appears a non-starter given the rivalry between the two clubs.

Should the Argentine depart before the transfer window closes, Spurs will have to appoint a new captain and the club’s statement when confirming Van de Ven’s new deal suggests he will be a leading contender.

“Micky also showed leadership qualities when he captained the team in the final, crucial six matches of last season under Roberto De Zerbi,” the statement read.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, added: "Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us.

"He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the club.

"We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future. His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together."

He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur

Roberto De Zerbi on Micky van de Ven

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said: "I am delighted that Micky has committed his future to the club.

"His growth and development over the past three years - as both a player and a person - has been huge, and he is now without doubt one of the outstanding defenders in European football.