Tottenham’s new director of football Fabio Paratici is hard at work in the transfer market. The Italian has already brought Pierluigi Gollini and Bryan Gil to North London and is looking to complete a deal for Cristian Romero.
Toby Alderweireld’s impending departure signals the end of an era at Tottenham. For the best part of the last decade, the Belgian defender partnered his compatriot Jan Vertonghen in the center of the Spurs defense, forming a sturdy yet modern defensive line.
Vertonghen left the club last summer to join Benfica, and Alderwiereld is expected to leave soon for Qatar. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Paratici is focusing his efforts on rejuvenating the backline.
Atalanta’s Cristian Romero is said to be a key target this summer for Tottenham. The Argentinian – who is owned by Juventus – was named Serie A’s Defender of the Season last term. He followed his personal accolade by winning the Copa America with his national team.
La Dea intends to make his loan move permanent by paying Juve the 16 million euros of the remaining 18 million fees. Meanwhile, the Serie A side is asking Spurs 55 million euros in exchange for the player.
Fabrizio Romano reports that while Romero remains the priority target for Spurs, they are evaluating other options, as well. Should the club fail in their pursuit of the Argentinian, they will try to bring in three defenders – Kurt Zouma (Chelsea), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Bologna), and Nikola Milenkovic (ACF Fiorentina).
Tottenham were reported to be in talks with Bologna earlier this month. The Japan international, who can play either as a center-back or a right-back, is expected to cost the North London outfit 18 million euros. Milonkovic is another player Spurs are keen on, as per Romano. The Serbian defender will cost the side 15 million euros.
Spurs may have to pay more than they like for Zouma, though, given that he plays for their London rivals. The Frenchman was targeted by Jose Mourinho during his short tenure at Spurs, but a move did not materialize. Zouma, however, has since fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea.
