Tottenham and Atlético in talks over Romero with Van de Ven set to sign new deal
Tottenham are negotiating Cristian Romero’s sale to Atlético Madrid, while Micky van de Ven is expected to commit to a new five-year contract. The moves would reshape Spurs’ defence after a difficult previous season, with the club refusing to sell Romero to Arsenal despite their interest.
Atlético are reportedly willing to match Inter’s proposed £35m fee for the 28-year-old Romero, who prefers a move to Diego Simeone’s side, although departures may be needed before a deal is completed. Tottenham have spent more than £200m on six signings this summer, including defenders Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, and new manager Roberto De Zerbi has helped persuade Van de Ven to stay.
- Atlético seek £35m Romero deal
- Spurs reject Arsenal’s approach
- Van de Ven nears extension
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Selling Romero for approximately £35m allows Tottenham to recycle capital whilst the player himself prefers the move and is reaching an age where resale value naturally declines. The club has invested heavily this summer—over £200m across six signings including two experienced centre-backs (van Hecke and Senesi)—suggesting a planned defensive refresh rather than reactive desperation. With Van de Ven now committed long-term and De Zerbi already persuading him to stay, the new defensive structure is in place, making this sale a sensible modernisation of the squad.
The case against
Losing an experienced 28-year-old defender after a difficult season creates unnecessary instability during the critical period of a new manager's transition. Romero is proven, established quality; replacement defenders require time to settle into English football and a new system regardless of their potential. The club's substantial summer spending indicates finances are not constrained, making the sale opportunistic rather than strategically necessary. Defensive solidity depends on continuity and familiarity—selling an established performer contradicts this fundamental principle at precisely the moment when stability matters most.