Atlético in talks with Tottenham over Romero as Van de Ven commits

The operation is progressing according to The Guardian. Atlético Madrid and Tottenham are in talks over Cristian Romero, with the Madrid side ready to match Inter Milan's bid of around £35m. The 27-year-old Argentine defender has made his desire to leave north London clear, and Simeone's team is understood to be his preferred destination.

While Spanish reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed, the move may be held up by Atlético needing to free up squad space: Nahuel Molina (Romero's Argentina teammate) is expected to join Roma and Matteo Ruggeri is being targeted by Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Tottenham flatly rejected Arsenal's approach for the centre-back—Arteta's side were seeking a replacement for injured Saliba—with orders not to sell to another Premier League club. De Zerbi has convinced Micky van de Ven to commit to a five-year extension after the defender had considered his future during the summer.