Chelsea facing Cristian Romero problem they may be powerless to solve
Despite being a Spurs player, Cristian Romero has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Chelsea.
The Blues rarely do business with their London rivals but Romero presents as a realistic target after it became clear he wants to leave the Lilywhites.
Chelsea among clubs interested in Cristian Romero
The 28-year-old has spent the last five years at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was named as the team’s captain by former manager Thomas Frank last year. The 2025-26 campaign looks like it will be the Argentine’s last with the club, though.
After picking up an injury deep into Spurs’ run-in when they were fighting to avoid relegation, Romero made a shocking decision to return to Argentina instead of staying in London to support his teammates in their final game of the season.
Although the club eventually reversed their decision to allow him to travel back to South America, it was a clear sign the centre-back’s heart wasn’t really in it anymore.
Now looking to capitalise, several clubs, including Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, are hoping to offer the 2022 World Cup winner a route out of North London.
Along with the Blues, Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan are also in the running to sign Romero with the latter holding the biggest advantage.
Inter Milan hold major advantage in race to sign Romero
According to Corriere Dello Sport, Romero has given priority to the Nerazzurri and has hopes of returning to Serie A; the league where he established himself while with Atalanta.
Even though the Blues have agreed a deal to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace they are still keen to add to their back line. Their failure to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League puts them at a natural disadvantage, though.
And although Arsenal and Barcelona will be playing in Europe’s biggest club competition next season, they’re also behind Inter Milan in the running due to Romero wanting to play alongside international teammate Lautaro Martinez.
None of the other three clubs can compete with Inter Milan in this regard but could be see their chances of signing the Argentine improve if the Serie A giants struggle to compete financially.
There was a time not so long ago when Spurs valued their number 17 at £60 million but they’ve been forced to drop their asking price to just under £26 million after finishing 17th in consecutive seasons.
During his time with Spurs, Romero, who has three years left on his contract, has featured in 156 matches in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists. He was part of the Spurs side that beat Manchester United in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League final.
Follow
