Tottenham transfer target branded 'Ronaldo of defending'

A highly-rated defender is being chased by several top clubs, with Spurs understood to be at the front of the queue.

Cristian Romero has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo, with the player’s agent claiming his client to be the “Ronaldo of defending”.

Operating at the heart of their defense, Romero was a crucial figure in the Atalanta team that sealed a third-place finish in the Serie A, reached the Coppa Italia final, and made a fairly deep run in the Champions League last season.

The 23-year-old center-back’s stock further soared in the wake of his eye-catching performances en route to Argentina’s Copa America triumph earlier this month.

Interest from several top European sides has been reported for the player, with Tottenham understood to be leading his chase.

Tottenham have an agreement on personal terms with Argentinian centre back Cristian Romero until June 2026. It’s not true that the player is refusing Spurs. ⚪️🇦🇷 #THFC

Tottenham and Atalanta are now negotiating on the fee – still no agreement reached, talks on.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2021

“He’s a great player, very good,” agent Furio Valcareggi told of his client Romero in an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb.

“[Cesare] Prandelli, who managed him, said that he had never seen such a strong player.

“If I were [Tottenham’s managing director of football Fabio] Paratici and Tottenham, I would take him immediately. You will put the defense in place for 10 years. Just like if you take [Napoli’s Kalidou] Koulibaly, he sets your defence in one fell swoop.

“He’s the Ronaldo of defending.”