Cristian Romero reveals why he 'only wanted Tottenham'

Cristian Romero has revealed he was only ever interested in signing for Tottenham, with his confirmation as a Spurs player expected imminently. 

Romero impressed for Atalanta last season, making 31 appearances as La Dea once again upset the odds by securing a place in the Champions League. He also helped Argentina win the Copa America this summer, starting in the final where they secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Brazil. 

Spurs have long been on the lookout for a new defender and his imminent arrival is a significant boost as they look to improve on their seventh-placed finish in 2020/21. 

Romero was also linked with Barcelona this summer, but the player has insisted that he only ever had eyes for Spurs.

“I only wanted Spurs because I really like this project. Paratici and the whole club wanted me and I’ll give my best. Premier League is the best way to continue my career,” he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. 

He is understood to have flown to London on Thursday evening to finalise his move to Tottenham. Both his transfer fee and personal terms have been agreed, so he should be announced as a Spurs player very soon. 

Romero will likely replace Toby Alderweireld in the Tottenham backline. The Belgian recently signed for Qatari club Al-Duhail and that has not been the only departure in north London this summer. Erik Lamela has also joined Sevilla in a player plus cash deal involving Bryan Gil. Joe Hart has joined Celtic as well, and Spurs remain keen to shift further deadwood before the transfer window slams shut. 

Meanwhile, the future of talisman Harry Kane remains uncertain. Manchester City are eager to sign the England captain and Kane is trying to force through a move, failing to show up for pre-season training so far. However, with City just completing a £100m move for Jack Grealish, it is not clear that they have the funds to complete the deal and Tottenham have no intention of selling.