Rival club blocks Arsenal’s move for William Saliba replacement
Arsenal have identified a potential replacement to injured William Saliba but Tottenham Hotspur are unwilling to sell their outgoing captain Cristian Romero to their North London rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur have ruled out selling captain Cristian Romero to Arsenal despite growing interest from their north London rivals, who wants t replace the injured William Saliba.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal admire the Argentina international, but Spurs would consider a transfer to their fiercest domestic rivals unacceptable.
Romero, 28, is also attracting serious interest from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, with Inter already reaching a verbal agreement with Tottenham over a fee of around €40 million.
However, the Italian club are yet to settle personal terms with the defender, while Atletico have renewed their pursuit.
Tottenham’s stance reflects the sensitivity surrounding direct transfers between the clubs, particularly after Sol Campbell’s controversial move from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001.
Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer despite signing a contract extension until 2029 last year, with the club having already strengthened their centre-back options.
