Inter Milan and Tottenham agree €40m deal for Cristian Romero | OneFootball

Inter Milan and Tottenham have reached an agreement in principle over a €40 million (£34.2m) deal for centre-back Romero, according to ESPN Argentina.

The 28-year-old World Cup winner is set to return to Serie A, where he previously established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders before moving to England.

Negotiations between the two clubs accelerated following direct discussions between Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio and the Tottenham hierarchy.

While Spurs initially held out for a higher valuation, both parties found common ground on a financial package that allows Tottenham to recoup a significant portion of their original outlay while granting Romero his desired move away from the Premier League.

Romero’s impending departure aligns with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi’s ongoing squad overhaul ahead of the upcoming campaign.

De Zerbi has made it clear he intends to build around players fully committed to the club’s long-term vision, having acknowledged that some key figures are seeking fresh challenges.

Spurs have already prepared for this transition, bolstering their central defensive options with the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to ensure defensive stability.

For Inter, securing Romero represents a major statement of intent as they aim to solidify their backline. The Argentine is well accustomed to Italian football, having previously starred for Genoa, Juventus, and Atalanta, where he was crowned Serie A Best Defender for the 2020-21 campaign.

His aggressive tackling, elite aerial ability, and composure in possession make him a natural fit for the Nerazzurri’s system.

During his time in North London, Romero made over 120 appearances in all competitions, frequently captaining the side and playing a vital role in Spurs’ 2024-25 UEFA Europa League triumph – Spurs’ first title since 2008.