Inter’s Pursuit of Tottenham’s Djed Spence and Cristian Romero Hinges on One Big Problem

Inter Milan is looking at Tottenham for reinforcements this summer, but the price tags attached to Djed Spence and Cristian Romero might keep both players in North London. According to reports from Sportmediaset, the Serie A champions have held exploratory talks with Spurs about the duo, but the numbers involved are making things complicated.

Spence’s Price Tag Keeps Rising

Djed Spence had a strong World Cup campaign with England, and that has pushed his valuation up to around €35 million. For Inter, that’s a lot of money for a full-back, even a talented one. The Nerazzurri have other targets in mind — Gela Doue is reportedly the more realistic option right now. Spence would only become a serious target if a late-window opportunity opens up, like a loan with an option or some favorable payment structure.

There have been discussions between the two clubs, and during those conversations, Tottenham also floated the idea of including Cristian Romero in any potential deal. But again, the money is the issue.

Romero’s Salary Is the Real Wall

Cristian Romero costs over €50 million on the transfer market right now. That’s steep for any club, but Inter’s problems with Romero go beyond his fee. The Argentine center-back earns €6.5 million per season, which is well above what Inter typically pays its top defenders. Even if a fee could be negotiated down, that salary structure is a hard no for the Italian champions unless something changes drastically.

Inter has a history of making creative deals work — loan-to-buy structures, deferred payments, that kind of thing. But a €6.5 million annual salary for one player? That’s a different hurdle. The club would have to shift some serious wages off the books first, and that’s easier said than done with the current roster.

What’s Next for Inter?

Both deals are considered complex and unlikely to happen unless late-summer market dynamics open up. Inter is still looking for defensive depth, but they’re not desperate enough to break the bank for either player right now. Tottenham, meanwhile, isn’t under pressure to sell. Spence is coming off a strong international showing, and Romero remains a key piece of Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

For now, Inter fans shouldn’t hold their breath. The club has other targets, and the Spurs duo will stay in London unless something unexpected shakes loose before the window slams shut.