Inter confirm Romero interest as De Zerbi warns Tottenham over defender's future
Quick summary
Inter Milan have publicly confirmed their interest in signing Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has issued a warning about the Argentine defender's situation.
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Attributed to original sourceAfter Inter director Piero Ausilio confirmed they ‘expressed our interest’ in Cristian Romero, Roberto De Zerbi warns ‘who is not happy has to leave’ Tottenham Hotspur.
It was known even before the end of last season that Romero was eager to leave Spurs, and that the club was increasingly frustrated with him too.
Although Barcelona were also interested, they have other priorities right now, so Inter are the hot favourites.
Romero talks with Inter confirmed LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) “There is certainly interest and we expressed our interest to both the player and the club,” Ausilio told Sky Sport Italia of Romero.
“These things take a long time, but there is certainly interest, so we’ll see.”
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, interacts with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur after being substituted off the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) According to various different Italian reports, the opening proposal will be a loan with obligation to buy for a total fee of €40m.
It would be similar to the one used by Inter to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City last year, but Spurs want €50m for Romero.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur is seen crying during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Tottenham coach De Zerbi helped Inter’s cause by making a statement pushing the Argentina international out of the club.
“I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,” De Zerbi told reporters before their first pre-season friendly in New Zealand.
“I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation. Because now in football, if you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.”
This would represent a return to Italian football for Romero , as the 28-year-old first came to Europe for Genoa in 2018.
He then moved on to Juventus, before flourishing with Atalanta, and was sold to Tottenham for €53.8m in 2021.
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What happened
Inter Milan have formally expressed interest in Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, with the Italian club confirming the approach publicly. The Argentine international has been a key figure in Tottenham's defence since joining from Atalanta. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has responded by issuing a warning, suggesting the club must be mindful of retaining the player. The story links Serie A and Premier League interest in one of Europe's most sought-after defenders, with a potential summer transfer battle shaping up.
Chance analysis
Romero is a top-tier central defender whose availability would significantly alter defensive dynamics for any suitor. Inter's public confirmation signals genuine intent rather than mere speculation, while De Zerbi's warning suggests Tottenham are preparing to fight to keep him. For prediction systems, the key factor is uncertainty around Romero's availability: if he departs, Tottenham's defensive solidity drops notably; if he stays, Inter's backline gains a world-class option.
Inter gain potential reinforcement of defensive quality while Tottenham face risk of losing a key centre-back, with De Zerbi publicly flagging concern over retention.
Monitor Romero's status for upcoming Tottenham and Inter matches; his potential departure would weaken Tottenham's defence while strengthening Inter's if a transfer completes.