Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 17 April 2026 12:45, UK

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Cristian Romero has been frequently linked with an exit from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and an approach for a replacement has now been made.

The Lilywhites are said to be in advanced talks for the signing of Bournemouth defender Marco Senesi on a free transfer this summer.

The 28-year-old has starred for the Cherries this season, and is the subject of interest throughout the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi’s team could still be relegated and currently sit in the drop zone, with the move subject to the North London club’s Premier League status.

Tottenham transfer chiefs hope to equip their new manager with a strong squad next season, but will be currently working on the basis of two different shortlists depending on their fate.

Cristian Romero set for Tottenham exit

Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Romero is attracting interest across Europe, after it was revealed that he has a release clause in his Tottenham contract.

The defender’s father revealed the clause in an interview earlier this month, with several clubs monitoring the situation.

Romero’s season was brought to an end last weekend when he was injured in Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland.

The Argentine has picked up a knee injury and is expected to miss up to eight weeks with a partial tear of his MCL, placing his chances of going to the World Cup with Argentina in doubt.

The immediate concerns will be with Tottenham’s safety. Romero has been a liability at times this season, picking up needless red cards and making frequent mistakes.

He remains among their most important players, however, and they are undoubtedly a better team with him at the back.

But after Friday’s news, the 27-year-old may well have played his final game for Tottenham. David Ornstein reports that decision-makers are in “advanced talks” to sign Senesi, with the North London club seen as the leading contender.

Marco Senesi is a calmer replacement

Senesi shares a nationality with Romero, and the pair could still be on the same plane to this summer’s World Cup.

The similarities stop there, however. Senesi lacks the aggression of Romero, preferring to bide his time before making a tackle.

He may well be the better-suited partner for Micky van de Ven, although it remains to be seen how he would adapt to De Zerbi’s style.

On the face of it, Senesi’s ball-playing ability would make him a perfect candidate. Years of playing under Andoni Iraola will have prepared him for exactly that.

Where the 28-year-old boasts strong ability alongside Romero, he lacks the Tottenham captain’s leadership. That will not be so easy to replace.