Inter's surprise pre-season star could be the key to Romero signing

Inter are still hoping to seal a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for centre-back Cristian Romero, but the club’s pursuit of the Argentina international has only become possible due to the surprisingly impressive performances from Andy Diouf in the early stages of pre-season.

Is Diouf the reason Inter are able to target Romero? It hasn’t exactly been an explosive start to the summer transfer window for the Nerazzurri. The summer began with the purchase of Aleksandar Stankovic, who was brought back from Club Brugge after an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2025-26.

Ivan Provedel has also come in at a cost of €3m to provide cover for Josep Martinez, who is expected to become the new no.1 in 2026-27.

As things stand, that has been it in terms of incomings.

Marco Palestra has completed his transfer to Chelsea from Atalanta (chelseafc.com) Inter had originally been hoping to bring in Marco Palestra from Atalanta to replace right wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who left the club after seeing his release clause activated by Real Madrid. However, Inter were ultimately outpriced by Chelsea , who secured the young Italy international’s services at a cost of €60m.

Inter had briefly considered reinvesting the money they had set aside to sign Palestra on Nico Paz instead, but he has since firmed up his immediate future with Como instead.

Then, Inter reached an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise for Israeli right-winger Anan Khalaili, but that deal later collapsed due to concerns around the player’s medical.

The search for a new right wing-back took the Nerazzurri to North London, where they attempted to negotiate with Tottenham for England international Djed Spence. Cristian Chivu’s side reportedly went off the idea after learning Tottenham’s asking price.

However, negotiations with Tottenham have since continued, albeit for Argentine centre-back Romero rather than right wing-back Spence.

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 are demanding a fee in the region of €50m for the former Juventus, Atalanta and Genoa defender, who is not expected to be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans for the 2026-27 season.

Despite the fact that a new right wing-back had been Inter’s primary concern in the early stages of the summer transfer window, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the club’s priorities are beginning to shift, largely due to the impressive performances of Diouf at right wing-back during the team’s most recent pre-season run-outs.

The Frenchman, who was signed last summer to bolster Chivu’s options in central midfield, has scored four goals from two matches during Inter’s first pre-season friendlies of the summer. The first two came in a 16-0 thumping of local side SV Aasen during the team’s training camp in Germany, and the other two came in a 2-1 win over more established opposition in Karlsruher SC on Sunday evening.

If Chivu is able to depend on Diouf as a right wing-back heading into the 2026-27 season, then spending the ‘Palestra money’ on a new centre-back i.e. Romero instead of a new right wing-back becomes a genuine possibility.

Inter have also lost two senior centre-backs this summer after saying farewell to Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij at the end of their contracts, so new additions are still required in that area of the pitch.

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) If a deal for Romero does come off, Chivu would likely look to field him in the middle of a back three with Manuel Akanji to his right and Alessandro Bastoni to his left. Benjamin Pavard, Yann Bisseck and Carlos Augusto would be the alternative options.