Cristian Romero still wants to leave Tottenham despite Roberto De Zerbi’s admiration | OneFootball

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is still looking to depart the club this summer despite Roberto De Zerbi’s admiration.

La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring the situation. Both clubs are eager to bolster their defences with a proven, elite-level centre-back.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, in particular, appear a perfect stylistic fit for Romero, whose fierce competitive edge and warrior-like mentality would be highly prized.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are searching for technically proficient defenders who can play out from the back, making Romero an appealing target.

Romero would prefer a move to Spain, making a return to Italy, where he previously starred for Atalanta and was named Serie A Defender of the Year, highly unlikely.

Inter Milan continue to keep tabs on the Argentine and have tracked him for some time, but the financial demands of a deal have effectively ruled the Italian champions out.

Romero, who is ‘a winner’ according to former manager Ange Postecoglou, has largely been a fan favourite and a defensive linchpin for Spurs, but lost some goodwill among the Tottenham faithful late last season, when he was reportedly set to miss being in attendance for the club’s crucial Premier League finale against Everton.

Spurs have already signed two centre-backs—Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi—and will not stand in the way of Romero’s departure, provided their valuation is met.

Further developments regarding the 28-year-old’s future are expected after the World Cup, where he is currently preparing for a last-32 tie against Cape Verde.