Cristian Romero's move away from Tottenham is no longer just a matter of interest. Inter and Spurs already have a club-to-club understanding in place, and Alfredo Pedullà says the Italians have moved significantly closer in the last few hours on salary and agent commissions. Inter are now working on the exit side of the deal so they do not lose the advantage they have built.

Inter are trying to finish the deal first

Pedullà's reporting is the clearest sign that this has shifted from loose speculation to active negotiation. He said Inter had come closer on both the salary and the commissions, while the understanding with Tottenham was already there. The race now is not really about finding the destination. It is about getting the paperwork and the personal package done before someone else moves.

Inter are also coming from a position of strength. They finished 1st in Serie A in 2025, scored 89 league goals and conceded 35, so this is not a club scrambling for credibility in the market. They are trying to add a top centre-back while they are already at the top of Italy. That makes their push for Romero look deliberate rather than opportunistic.

Barcelona and Atletico are waiting in the background

Barcelona are still there, but they are not forcing the pace. Their interest is tied to squad changes, with reports saying they would only move if a defender leaves first. That leaves them watching rather than leading.

Atletico Madrid are the more obvious late threat. The reporting around them is exploratory rather than formal, but they are said to be checking the figures for a possible hijack. If Inter slow down, that opening matters.

The personal side of the deal is still doing the work here. Romero's World Cup numbers, 7 appearances, 627 minutes, one goal and a 7.16 rating, are the sort of output that keeps elite clubs paying attention. Tottenham's stance may have hardened in the background, but the negotiations around Romero's future are now being shaped by terms, timing and who blinks first.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 6 outlets. How we work →