Cristian Romero is 'desperate' to play at the highest level possible and has opened up a potential exit route from Tottenham. The 26-year-old, who has endured a difficult start to the season, has three years left on his contract but Spurs want to tie him down to a longer deal.
Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta on loan with an option to buy in August 2021. He impressed during his first season before the club ended up making the move permanent the following summer. Earlier this month, Romero made his 100th appearance for Spurs and he is one of their most important players.
But, according to Football Insider, Romero has hinted at a possible departure as he wants to play regularly at the highest level and compete for trophies - but Spurs will only play Europa League football this season. It's added that Real Madrid are watching developments as they target a blockbuster new signing.
His willingness to sign a new Tottenham contract will hinge on their ambition, opening the door to a swoop from Los Blancos. It's understood that he is not ruling out a move to Real, who are the most decorated club in world football. Carlo Ancelotti's side won the La Liga and Champions League double last season.
Tottenham are said to want to sit down with Romero next summer in a bid to fend off interest from European clubs. The Argentine could follow the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in heading to the Santiago Bernabau from Spurs, with the defender reported to be valued at around £150million.
Despite this, Romero has had a difficult start to the season. On the opening weekend of the campaign, Romero was highlighted for his role in Jamie Vardy's equaliser against Leicester. The Argentine left Vardy in acres of space at the back post to nod home Abdul Fatawu's cross.
Romero, who impressed and scored in the 4-0 win against Everton in their second game, could have done better for Newcastle's second goal in the 2-1 defeat at St James' Park before the international break. Romero was seen pushing up and leaving Jacob Murphy to run in behind before playing across for Alexander Isak to tap home.
And in the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, Romero and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario were both at fault as Gabriel headed home Bukayo Saka's inswinging cross for the match-winner.
First, Romero was marking Gabriel in a man-to-man defensive system from the corner, but somehow the Arsenal defender managed to drift by his marker before powering home a free header. Then as Gabriel didn't meet the ball until less than six yards out, Vicario could have come and collected, albeit he did appear to have a number of bodies blocking him from coming out to claim or punch away from danger.
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