Tottenham Hotspur have received their biggest boost yet over leading transfer target Cristian Romero...
What's the word?
The North London outfit have been locked in talks to sign the Atalanta centre-back for several weeks now, with both clubs trying to come to an agreement over a suitable fee.
Personal terms have been agreed with the player but the move is yet to be finalised. However, that could now be accelerated after the Serie A outfit were given the green light to sign his replacement.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus defender Merih Demiral, who has also been linked to Spurs in recent months, is set to join Atalanta on loan, and this will be the key to unlocking Romero's switch to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old is expected to cost around €50m (£43m).
Only a matter of time
It certainly seems as if Spurs are closing in on their third signing of the summer, having already brought in Romero's former teammate and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on loan, as well as Bryan Gil from Sevilla.
This update is a massive hint towards the Lilywhites securing the 2020/21 Serie A 'Defender of the Year' and this should leave many fans absolutely buzzing as it means their defensive issues could finally be heading towards a resolution.
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Indeed, a lot of Spurs' problems under Jose Mourinho and then interim boss Ryan Mason were at the back. They leaked more goals than any of the other traditional 'big six' clubs last season as they finished in seventh place, their lowest since 2008/09.
After the departure of the vastly experienced Toby Alderweireld, Nuno Santo is left with only three central defenders, two of whom received a lot of flak last term.
Davinson Sanchez - described as a "real liability" - and Eric Dier were deemed to be "one of the worst" pairings in the Premier League by ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara, whilst Joe Rodon only started eight league games in his maiden top-flight campaign.
The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke lambasted Spurs' defenders for individual mistakes, with the aforementioned senior duo often amongst it.
Nuno needs defensive reinforcements and soon, with kick-off against defending champions Manchester City less than two weeks away.
Romero led the league for interceptions per game (3.1) and also averaged two tackles, 3.6 aerial duels won and an 86.2% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, which makes him a perfect fit for Nuno's system of playing out from the back.
Described as "phenomenal" by Serie A expert Conor Clancy to This is Futbol, the £31.5m-rated Argentina international seems very close to joining Spurs, handing the Portuguese coach a massive boost heading into the new season.
This will undoubtedly be music to the ears of many around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially those who have had to witness their defensive calamities in recent months.
AND in other news, "Some good news": Alasdair Gold drops huge Spurs transfer update, fans will love it...