Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal contact over shock signing from Tottenham

Arsenal have reportedly looked into a surprise potential transfer move for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, though a deal doesn’t look likely.

The Gunners could do with defensive cover at the moment as William Saliba looks set to be out injured for a lengthy spell, and Romero is seemingly available on the market.

In a surprise move, it seems Arsenal have registered an interest in the Argentina international, as first reported by the Athletic.

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Arsenal also made inquiries this week but Spurs prefer to sell abroad.

Atléti in talks also with player’s camp; Inter had agreed terms with Spurs but still need exits.

?? https://t.co/qAhLqKiRBL pic.twitter.com/oR5Em6nCYl

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2026

?? Atlético Madrid are in club to club talks with Tottenham for Cuti Romero.

Arsenal also made inquiries this week but Spurs prefer to sell abroad.

Atléti in talks also with player’s camp; Inter had agreed terms with Spurs but still need exits.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2026

“Atlético Madrid are in club to club talks with Tottenham for Cuti Romero. Arsenal also made inquiries this week but Spurs prefer to sell abroad. Atléti in talks also with player’s camp; Inter had agreed terms with Spurs but still need exits,” Romano posted on X.

It seems Atletico Madrid looks like being Romero’s most likely next destination, while Inter Milan have also worked on a deal and seemingly got to quite at advanced stage.

Arsenal’s shock attempt to raid Tottenham for Cristian Romero

This story is certainly a surprise as it’s extremely rare for Arsenal and Tottenham to do business together due to their fierce rivalry.

There have been some players to notably represent both clubs, but even then Sol Campbell moved from Spurs to Arsenal on a free transfer, rather than the two teams negotiating a deal together.

Others such as Emmanuel Adebayor and David Bentley also didn’t move directly between the Gunners and the Lilywhites, having had spells at other clubs in between.

In short, Tottenham were surely never going to even consider letting Romero join Arsenal, so it’s a bit of a surprise that Mikel Arteta’s side even asked about it.

Needs must, though, and perhaps AFC simply decided they had to look into as many options as possible to strengthen their defence and prepare for Saliba’s lengthy absence.

Arsenal have also been linked with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa by the Daily Mail and that’s surely a more realistic option for the Premier League champions.