Arsenal and Chelsea plotting stunning move for Tottenham star

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, despite the player being close to a return to Italy.

Romero has been tipped to leave Tottenham this summer, with the club preparing to sign two new defenders in Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Sensei. The 28-year-old recently represented Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is preparing to resume club duties.

According to Corriere dello SportRomero has emerged as a priority for Inter Milan, with the Serie A giants having held talks with his representatives and also preparing to negotiate a deal with Tottenham.

However, Inter are set to face competition from other clubs, with the report adding that Arsenal and Chelsea are looking to prise the Argentine away from Tottenham.

A potential move to either Arsenal or Chelsea would come as a surprise, although it appears very unlikely. Arsenal are set to be without William Saliba for the start of the season due to a back problem but are reportedly in the market for another defender.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have already signed a defender this summer in Marco Palestra and are on the verge of completing the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

Given Romero’s experience of playing for different Serie A clubs, he is likely to favour a return to the Italian top flight. The centre-back has played for three Italian clubs (Genoa, Juventus, and Atalanta) to date and permanently joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2022 for a reported fee of €53.8 million.

Romero’s current contract with Spurs runs until 2029, thanks to a contract extension signed in 2025. His current market value stands at €50 million, according to Transfer market.

Inter Milan sporting director Ausilo confirms Romero interest amid competition from Arsenal and Chelsea

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilo has confirmed that the Nerazzurri are interested in signing Romero, stating that while the process may take time, there is definitely interest from both the player and the club.

“It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club (Tottenham),” Ausilo told Sky Italy. “These things take some time, but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see.”

A report from Sky Sports said there is an expectation that Tottenham would allow Romero to leave this summer if the right offer arrives. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks.