Inter told to sign Cristian Romero after John Stones arrival

Inter Milan have been urged to complete the signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero despite closing in on the arrival of John Stones.

Former Genoa president Enrico Preziosi believes the Argentina international would be an outstanding addition to Inter's defence, while Nerazzurri legend Iván Córdoba has also backed a move for the World Cup winner.

The comments come as Inter continue to pursue Romero alongside the expected arrival of Stones, who is due in Milan to complete his medical.

Preziosi, who brought Romero to Italy from Belgrano in 2018, believes Juventus made a major error by allowing the defender to leave before he reached his full potential.

Romero joined Genoa for €4.25 million before Juventus signed him a year later for €31.5 million. However, after loan spells at Genoa and Atalanta, the Bianconeri sold him permanently, with Tottenham eventually paying more than €50 million to secure his services.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Preziosi said Inter should avoid making the same mistake.

"I would be very happy if Romero returned to Italy. He would be a huge asset for Serie A and especially for Inter."

"I told Juventus that he was an important player. Selling him was a huge mistake because Romero was a Juventus-level defender."

Preziosi also believes Romero remains worth around €40 million and is capable of performing at the highest level for several more years.

Former Inter captain Iván Córdoba has also endorsed the move, describing Romero as the ideal signing to strengthen the Nerazzurri's defence.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Colombian admitted he recognises elements of his own game in the Tottenham centre-back.

"Romero would be an excellent signing. He is the right player to strengthen the defence."

"I see a little of myself in him because of his determination and character, although Cuti is physically stronger than I was."

Córdoba believes Romero's leadership and aggressive style would make him a natural fit for Inter's defensive unit.

Inter's defensive overhaul is expected to continue despite the imminent arrival of Stones.

Romero remains one of the club's preferred targets as they seek to add further experience and leadership ahead of the new Serie A campaign.

Whether Tottenham are willing to sanction the Argentine's departure remains one of the biggest questions of the final weeks of the transfer window.

The endorsements from two respected figures with close connections to Italian football underline Romero's reputation within Serie A. While Inter are set to strengthen with Stones, the club's continued pursuit of the Tottenham defender suggests they are determined to assemble one of the strongest defensive units in Italy.

Inter will finalise John Stones' arrival before deciding whether to intensify negotiations with Tottenham for Romero. The Italian club's next move is likely to depend on Spurs' willingness to discuss a transfer before the window closes.