According to British newspaper Sunsport, Romero has three years remaining on his contract with Tottenham, giving the club control over his future. The Spurs management maintains its firm stance: they will not sell Romero to Arsenal.

Cristian Romero heads the ball during Tottenham's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England on 7/1/2026. Photo: Reuters

The North London rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham extends beyond the pitch to the transfer market. Direct transfers between the two clubs are highly controversial, often drawing strong reactions from fans.

Historically, only a handful of players have played for both Tottenham and Arsenal. Notable moves from Arsenal to Tottenham include Jimmy Brain (1931), Laurie Brown (1964), David Jenkins (1968), Pat Jennings (1985), Rohan Ricketts (2002), and William Gallas (2010). Conversely, players who moved from Tottenham to Arsenal include George Hunt (1937), Freddie Cox (1949), Jimmy Robertson (1968), Steve Walford (1977), Willie Young (1977), Pat Jennings (1977), and Sol Campbell (2001).

Campbell's transfer in 2001 remains the most controversial. He left Tottenham on a free transfer to join Arsenal and was branded a "traitor" by his former club's fans. Unlike Romero's current situation, Campbell's contract had expired, meaning Tottenham could not prevent his move.

Given this history, a direct move for Romero to Arsenal is highly unlikely this summer. However, Romero is still expected to leave Tottenham before the transfer window closes. The Spurs have already spent 70 million USD to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, who is seen as a replacement for Romero.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero (center) blocks a shot from Arsenal defender Ben White (number 4) during a North London derby in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium on 24/9/2023. Photo: AFP

Atletico Madrid emerges as a more likely destination for Romero. Coach Diego Simeone attempted to sign the Argentine defender in summer 2025, but then-Tottenham coach Thomas Frank convinced him to sign a new, high-paying contract and awarded him the captain's armband.

Atletico is prepared to spend approximately 54 million USD for Romero. The Spanish club expects to fund this by selling three players: Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa for 23 million USD, Nahuel Molina to Roma for a maximum fee of 19,5 million USD, and Thiago Almada back to River Plate for 23 million USD.

Inter Milan is also very interested in Romero but has not yet reached an agreement with the defender.

Meanwhile, Arsenal is looking to strengthen their defense after William Saliba reaggravated a back injury during the World Cup 2026. Over recent years, Arsenal has reinforced their defense with Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, and Riccardo Calafiori. However, coach Mikel Arteta still seeks another quality center-back to ensure squad depth during Saliba's long-term absence.

According to British newspaper Sportmail, Ezri Konsa, not Romero, is Arsenal's top target. Aston Villa rejected Arsenal's initial offer and will only negotiate if they receive approximately 80 million USD. Aston Villa is not under financial pressure, having generated over 188 million USD from player sales this summer, and is prepared to keep Konsa if they do not receive their desired price.

Hong Duy (according to The Sun)