Cristian Romero has given Inter Milan his personal agreement to join the Nerazzurri, but a €10 million gap between the clubs’ valuations is standing between the deal and completion.
According to SempreInter, citing TuttoMercatoWeb and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Romero has made his availability for the transfer clear. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is now tasked with closing the financial divide with Spurs.
Tottenham value Romero at approximately €50 million. Inter are pushing to complete the deal below the €40 million threshold and are prepared to use performance-related bonuses to bridge the gap – a mechanism that will be familiar to anyone who has watched Ausilio operate.
Van Hecke Signals the Direction of Travel
Spurs’ willingness to sell their captain has been reinforced by the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for around €60 million – a statement outlay that signals the club is building beyond Romero rather than scrambling to keep him. The tension accumulated over the past season has only accelerated what looks like a mutual understanding that the relationship has run its course.
That context matters. Inter’s €40m position has been on the table for a while, and Spurs have shown no inclination to blink – the 2029 contract gives them the leverage to sit on their valuation and wait. The question is whether Ausilio can construct a bonus structure compelling enough to paper over a gap that is, in transfer terms, not enormous but clearly enough to have stalled proceedings.
The SempreInter report also notes that Romero spoke with Lautaro Martinez during post-World Cup holidays about a potential move to Milan – a detail that illustrates how far along this is on the player’s side, even if the clubs remain at arm’s length.
What Happens Next
Inter have set aside other defensive targets to focus on Romero, which narrows their options if talks collapse. The negotiation is expected to enter its decisive phase in the coming days, with structured bonuses the most likely route to a resolution – assuming Spurs find the numbers acceptable enough to shake hands.
Romero’s contract runs to 2029. Spurs are in no rush. Whether Inter are willing to match that patience is the only question that matters now.
