Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is reportedly a target for Atletico Madrid while the player has mentioned his desire to play in Spain.
All signs point to Atletico Madrid submitting a bid for the Argentine defender, and Spurs might have to accept this offer.
Tottenham will use the funds to reinforce the squad. A chunk of it will go toward signing a Romero replacement, and in this article, we analyse five defenders that the club should consider.
Ilya Zabarnyi (AFC Bournemouth)
Bournemouth centre-half Ilya Zabarnyi is a dogged, front-foot defender who has Premier League experience that would bolster Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
While his defensive partner got most of the plaudits, Zabarnyi enjoyed an equally fantastic campaign, helping to keep eight clean sheets in 36 league games.
The 22-year-old recorded 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 5.2 clearances per game.
Zabarnyi won 64% of his aerial duels and 61% of his ground duels. He would be a perfect replacement for Romero.
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
Bournemouth will demand a big cheque for Zabarnyi, which makes a deal difficult. However, Chelsea want to sell the severely underrated Trevoh Chalobah for around £25 million.
Tottenham should capitalise on such silliness to sign the 25-year-old with European pedigree. The Sierra Leone-born star has grown in leaps and bounds since his loan spell at Lorient.
Chalobah is quietly emerging as a leader in the Chelsea rearguard, and Tottenham can secure a bargain deal by snapping up the Cobham Academy graduate.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Tottenham have been sniffing around Marc Guehi for some time. The time is now or never to sign him. With Romero leaving and Guehi entering the final year of his deal, Spurs should swoop.
The FA Cup champion and European Championship finalist is a solid defender who reads danger well. He helped Crystal Palace keep 11 shut-outs in 34 appearances this term.
Guehi scored three goals and created five big chances while winning 54% of his aerial and 63% of his ground duels.
Guehi would be a sensational signing for Tottenham, but Spurs will likely face competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for his signature.
Nathan Collins (Brentford)
Another superb centre-back who flies under the radar is Brentford star Nathan Collins.
No player made more blocks in the Premier League this season (57). He is also second for aerial duels won (119).
The combative Irishman has been a mainstay for the Bees since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023 for around £23 million.
Collins would strengthen that Spurs backline, bringing the dominant physicality we have come to love from Romero.
Loic Bade (Sevilla)
Sevilla defender Loice Bade was one of the better defenders in La Liga this season, catching the eye with his displays.
He has rebuilt his reputation after woeful stints with Rennes and Nottingham Forest.
Bade won 68% of his aerial and 63% of his ground duels this season. The Frenchman has long been tipped for great things, and he could achieve them in North London.
Bade can defend excellently in a high line and responds well when dragged into wide areas. He will be a perfect fit for this Postecoglou system.
(Stats from Fbref, Sofascore, Transfermaakt)