Tottenham Transfer News: Romero to Atletico, Spence to Inter

Tottenham’s transfer window is starting to feel like a tightrope walk. Every step forward comes with a wobble somewhere else.

Romero edging towards Atletico

Cristian Romero’s future is moving towards a decisive point. The centre-back, linked with a move away from north London all summer and briefly on Arsenal’s radar, is now closing in on Atletico Madrid.

Transfer reporter Matteo Moretto reports that Atletico are nearing an agreement with Tottenham, with only minor details left between the clubs. No fee has been disclosed, but the direction of travel is clear: Diego Simeone wants Romero, and Atletico are pushing to get it done.

If Spurs sign off, they lose a starting defender. They gain room on the non-homegrown list. And that, right now, is no small thing.

Spence wanted as Dumfries heir

On the other flank of Europe, Djed Spence has become a priority for Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu.

Italian outlet Corriere reports that Spence is Chivu’s No. 1 target to replace Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid. Personal terms are said to be agreed, and Spurs and Inter are understood to be close to a deal in the region of £25 million.

For a player who never truly settled at Tottenham, it’s a significant fee. For Spurs, it’s another potential exit that could help unlock the rest of their summer.

Homegrown rules bite

Because right now, the rules are biting hard.

Premier League regulations allow a 25-man senior squad, with a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players. The rest must be homegrown. Tottenham are close to that ceiling.

As it stands, they can only sign players aged 21 or under without running into registration problems, unless they sell more senior players. Every incoming name has to be weighed against who might be pushed out.

So when Spurs look at targets, they aren’t just scouting talent. They’re counting passports and birthdays.

Bergvall at a crossroads

Lucas Bergvall sits in the middle of that tension.

The 20-year-old has seen more minutes under Roberto De Zerbi in pre-season, and those inside his camp recognise that the new head coach has backed up his praise with genuine game time.

But the midfielder’s future remains open. Earlier in the summer, his representatives informed Spurs that Bergvall wanted a fresh challenge to continue his development. He had grown frustrated last season at the lack of training and playing time as a number eight, the role he sees as key to his progress.

De Zerbi has offered a response on the pitch in pre-season. Whether that is enough to change the player’s mind as the window ticks on is still an open question.

Osimhen door shuts

Any lingering hope of Victor Osimhen in a Spurs shirt has faded.

TeamTalk reported earlier this week that Tottenham had an option to move for the Nigerian striker this summer. That prospect now looks dead. Soccernet.ng reports that Osimhen will stay put beyond this transfer window.

He is under contract with Galatasaray until June 2029, with no release clause. The Turkish champions are believed to be planning to hand him the No. 9 shirt and build their attack around the 27-year-old.

Tottenham, still searching for a long-term focal point up front, will have to look elsewhere.

Gakpo only for huge money

Cody Gakpo is one such name on their list, but that trail is blocked too unless Spurs go big.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast for Football Insider, says Liverpool have no plans to sell Gakpo despite interest from north London.

“A lot will depend on what Liverpool do on the incomings during the rest of the transfer window if more signings are to arrive, because [Andoni] Iraola does not want to weaken his squad,” O’Rourke explained.

He added that the “only way” a move could happen is if Spurs table a huge offer of at least £70 million and Liverpool bring in more players. With Liverpool’s squad already described as “a bit short”, they “can’t really afford to let Gakpo go” as things stand.

So the door is not locked. It is just guarded by a price tag that would define Tottenham’s summer.

De Zerbi’s wishlist, Levy’s puzzle

Inside Hotspur Way, the plan is still aggressive. Tottenham want more signings.

Manchester City star Savinho is a key target. Cody Gakpo remains of interest despite the obstacles. City attacker Omar Marmoush is also believed to be admired by De Zerbi as he shapes a more fluid, high-tempo attack.

At the same time, exits hover over the squad. Cristian Romero, Djed Spence and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario have all been linked with moves away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Every potential departure changes the registration maths. Every target tests the budget. De Zerbi is pushing for quality; the club is juggling quotas, contracts and opportunities.

Another day in the window, another round of calls, briefings and negotiations. The question now is simple: who blinks first, the market or Tottenham’s resolve?