Tottenham have made it clear that captain Cristian Romero will not be sold to north London rivals Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The Gunners had looked at a shock move for the defender after William Saliba's long-term injury, but a switch to Spain or Italy now looks much more likely.

Tottenham block Arsenal approach for Romero

According to The Athletic, Tottenham have formally dismissed any chance of Romero joining local rivals Arsenal this summer. The Gunners had seriously explored an unexpected deal for the Argentina defender as they looked for cover at the back. Arsenal need a new centre-back after Saliba suffered a major back issue. The 25-year-old played through the problem during France's World Cup campaign and is now set for a lengthy spell out of action.

Spurs, however, have no intention whatsoever of approving a transfer to their north London rivals. Reports state that Tottenham will not do any business with Arsenal under any circumstances.

Gunners assess alternatives after Saliba setback

Saliba's long-term injury has pushed Premier League champions Arsenal into the market late in the transfer window. While the France international does not need surgery, the club have confirmed that he will miss a significant amount of football. Arsenal had earlier made a formal offer for Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa. That bid was quickly turned down by Villa, who are demanding a £60 million fee for the England international.

After being rebuffed by Spurs, Atletico Madrid have now renewed their long-standing interest in Romero. The Spanish club are currently seen as a far more probable destination for the 28-year-old centre-back.

Inter agreement remains in place despite defensive reinforcements

Tottenham are still willing to sell Romero abroad before the transfer window closes. Spurs have already agreed a €40m (£34m) deal with Inter for the defender. However, Romero has not yet agreed personal terms with the Serie A club. That delay has given other European suitors, including Atleti, the chance to stay firmly in the race for his signature.

Spurs have already moved to prepare for Romero's possible exit by significantly strengthening their defence. The north London side completed a £52m move for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and also signed Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

De Zerbi planning with defender's return in mind

Despite strong transfer speculation around his captain, Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he is still planning for the new season with Romero in his squad. Speaking this week, De Zerbi said he has remained in direct contact with the defender.

"I texted with Cuti yesterday to make a plan for when he comes back to London but not for the transfer market," De Zerbi said. "That's not my job. I know there are many solutions in the transfer market," De Zerbi added.

Romero is expected to return to London soon, with his final destination likely to be decided before the window closes.