Inter’s €40m loan bid threatens Tottenham’s defensive rebuild

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of selling Argentina defender Cristian Romero to Inter Milan after the Serie A club submitted an initial €40 million loan‑with‑mandatory‑purchase proposal, SportMediaset reports, and the 28‑year‑old appears ready for the move, signalling a potential shift in Tottenham’s defensive rebuild.

For Tottenham, the deal would be a key element of Roberto De Zerbi’s defensive rebuild. Recent arrivals Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have already provided the squad with additional flexibility. The potential sale also fits a broader summer clear‑out, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and winger Manor Solomon reportedly listed among players available for departure.

Inter Milan's interest stems from a desire to add a proven defender to their back line. The club believes Romero's eagerness creates a favourable window to secure him before rivals intervene. Italian media highlighted growing confidence in Italy that the transfer can be completed.

Inter’s proposal centres on a €40 million structure that combines a loan period with a compulsory purchase clause. Tottenham had initially set a €50 million valuation reflecting Romero’s experience and importance. This valuation gap gives Inter leverage in negotiations.

Personal terms are expected to be straightforward after positive contact with Romero’s representatives in Milan. Romero’s own preference, voiced after five years away from Serie A since his spell at Atalanta, has shifted leverage away from Tottenham. The Italian outlet highlighted his readiness for the move.

Further discussions involving Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio and Tottenham officials are scheduled soon. The clubs must agree on the mandatory purchase clause to finalise the deal. Successful completion would deliver Inter a top‑class centre‑back while freeing wages for Tottenham’s new signings.

If the negotiations conclude smoothly, Tottenham will need to replace Romero’s aggression, standards and leadership, a challenge supporters fear could leave the defence lacking authority during the rebuild. The potential departure of Vicario and Solomon also forms part of the summer clear‑out, freeing further wage space.