Inter has changed its market priorities, shifting its focus from the right winger to strengthening the defense. The Nerazzurri management has identified Cristian Romero as the ideal profile to complete the defensive department available to Chivu and has started contacts with Tottenham to finalize the deal.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Romero represents the strong defender that was missing in the defensive lineup. In a backline that relies on the good feet of Bastoni, the positional intelligence of Akanji, and the athletic boldness of Bisseck, the Argentine would bring grit and mentality. The newspaper describes him as the direct descendant of Walter Samuel, his assistant coach in the Argentine national team, but also of tough players like Lucio, Cordoba, and Marco Materazzi, who made a name for themselves at Inter for their temperament.

The negotiation is now entering its decisive phase. Piero Ausilio is working to reach an agreement with Tottenham, after obtaining the player’s willingness to transfer. During the post-World Cup holidays, Romero discussed the Inter topic with Lautaro. Marotta aims to acquire the defender on a permanent basis, without creative market formulas, but hopes that Tottenham will go below 40 million, with bonuses that could bring the parties closer together.

The week that has just begun could prove decisive for closing the deal. Roberto De Zerbi, who has been coaching Tottenham for a few months, has opened the door to players intending to leave the club: Romero is on this list after breaking with the environment. In the last weeks of last season, when the team risked relegation, the Argentine injured his knee and decided on his own to recover in Argentina so as not to miss the World Cup. This choice was harshly criticized by the fans. Tottenham has also purchased Jan Paul Van Hecke, a defender from the Dutch national team, from Brighton for 60 million.

Despite the high initial demands (50 million) and an unusual age for major Oaktree investments, which are usually focused on under-25s, the idea of going all in for Romero is shared. The feeling is that the deal could be finalized in the coming days.

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