Premier League defender prioritises Barcelona move despite Atletico, Inter interest | OneFootball

Christian Romero is prepared to push for a departure from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with Barcelona emerging as his preferred destination if the opportunity to leave north London materialises.

The Argentina international has long been admired at Camp Nou, and although the Catalan club are not actively prioritising a new central defender, the situation is being monitored closely. 

According to SPORT, Barcelona have already held discussions with the defender’s representatives to understand the situation, positioning themselves early should the right market opportunity arise in the coming weeks.

Barcelona continue to monitor Romero

Barcelona’s current squad is well stocked in central defence, meaning a move for Romero is not considered an immediate priority.

With several centre-backs already competing for places under Hansi Flick, both the coaching staff and sporting director Deco believe strengthening other areas of the squad remains more urgent. 

Romero prefers a move to Barcelona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

However, they also recognise that opportunities involving proven elite defenders do not arise often, which explains why Romero continues to feature on Barcelona’s shortlist.

The Argentine is prepared to leave Tottenham on an initial loan deal that includes an option to buy, a structure that could make negotiations more attractive for interested clubs while reducing the immediate financial burden.

Even so, any move would likely depend on departures from Barcelona’s current defensive unit before the club could seriously pursue the transfer.

Inter and Atletico Madrid are also keen

For what it is worth, Barcelona are not the only club keeping a close eye on Romero’s future.

Inter Milan have already opened discussions with Tottenham and are exploring the possibility of signing the defender under a similar loan-to-buy formula. 

Romero is not a priority for Barcelona. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Atletico Madrid are also following developments, creating genuine competition for one of the most experienced centre-backs currently available on the market.

Despite that interest, Romero’s priority is understood to be Barcelona.

The relationship between the defender and Tottenham has reportedly deteriorated in recent months, even though manager Roberto De Zerbi would prefer to keep him.

For now, it is said that Tottenham’s current asking price is believed to be around €50 million, although reports suggest there is room for negotiation. 

For Barcelona, however, committing that level of investment would only become realistic if space is first created within the squad.