Much of the speculation has surrounded Cristian Romero as of late. The defender looks to be heading for the exit door and has certainly tested Tottenham Hotspur‘s nerves, opening the door to an Arsenal move before Atletico Madrid came swooping in.
The club captain has looked likely to leave all summer. At one stage, it was Inter Milan in the driving seat, but they failed to get sales of their own over the line to make a move happen. Now, Atletico have stolen a march on competitors and entered positive talks with Romero.
That may not be the end of Inter’s contact with Spurs, however. With Romero heading elsewhere, the Italian giants are once again transfixed on Djed Spence.
|
Player |
Position |
Destination |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cristian Romero |
CB |
Atletico Madrid |
Potential exit |
|
Djed Spence |
RB/LB |
Inter Milan |
Potential exit |
|
Luka Vušković |
CB |
Brighton |
Permanent exit |
|
Will Lankshear |
ST |
Middlesbrough |
Permanent exit |
|
Alfie Devine |
AM/CM |
Preston North End |
Permanent exit |
|
Radu Drăgușin |
CB |
Fiorentina |
Loan exit |
|
Yves Bissouma |
CM |
— |
Released |
The versatile fullback enjoyed an excellent World Cup, proving many doubters wrong and earning plenty of interest in the process. Cameos against Mexico and Norway were particularly impressive. It’s been clear ever since the tournament that Spence is better than Tottenham’s collective form last season suggested.
Inter’s interest should come as little surprise, either. The Serie A side lost Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid earlier this summer and replacing him will be a hefty task.
At 26 years old and coming off the back of an impressive World Cup, Spence was always likely to be a top candidate. His ability to play on both flanks certainly helps too, as does his one-on-one defender combined with attacking initiative.
Premier League legend Gary Neville was one of many to praise the defender in the early stages of the summer tournament, and he was proved right for the rest of it.
“I think Spence is someone again who will play a big part in this tournament, whether it’s right-back or left-back, because I think he’s like a leech when he defends. He’s very aggressive in his work and he’s got a great tenacity about him.”
However, that form may end badly for Spurs fans now that Spence has made a decision about his immediate future.
Djed Spence responds to Inter Milan interest
According to Fabrizio Romano, Spence has gifted Inter the green light to make their move this summer. The defender is keen on the move to San Siro and the Italian giants are now reigniting their interest after holding talks earlier in the window.
Having previously been priced out of a move at €45m (£38m), Inter now believe they can land Spence at a cut-price deal worth €40m (£34m). Talks are expected to follow and it looks like the England international could still be heading for the exit door.
It’s a blow for Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi, who are already set to lose Romero. Whether that forces the Lilywhites back into the market is now the big question.
They’ve already spent over £200m, but may now have no choice but to find a replacement for Spence.
