Cristian Romero boost for Tottenham with new signing set to avoid quarantine ahead of Man City season opener

Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP6 August 2021

New Tottenham signing Cristian Romero is set to avoid a spell in quarantine, boosting his chances of being involved in a baptism of fire against Manchester City on Sunday week.

Romero arrived in London from Italy on Thursday to complete a medical and sign a five-year contract after Spurs agreed a deal worth up to €55million (£46.7m) with Atalanta.

The 23-year-old is double vaccinated and Italy is on the UK's Amber List for coronavirus travel restrictions, so he should be exempt from a mandatory five-day quarantine provided he tests negative on Day 2 (Saturday).

Romero could therefore be unveiled ahead of Sunday's home friendly with north London rivals Arsenal, although he is unlikely to be involved given his lack of training with the squad and since the Copa America Final on July 10.

Romero helped Argentina to win the competition and returned to training at Atalanta last weekend, leaving him short of pre-season minutes.

Brazil v Argentina: Final - Copa America Brazil 2021
Getty Images

After a week of work at Hotspur Way, however, Spurs head-coach Nuno Espirito Santo will surely hope he can be involved in the opening-day visit of the champions on August 15.

Romero is so highly-rated by his teammates, it is understood Lionel Messi was frustrated that Barcelona failed to follow through on his recommendation to sign the defender before the Ballon d'Or holder's departure from the Catalan club was announced last night.

Romero has insisted he only wanted to join Spurs and credited the club's new managing director Fabio Paratici for making the deal happen.

"I only wanted Spurs because I really like this project," Romero told Italian reporters at Bergamo airport.

"Paratici and the whole club wanted me and I’ll give my best. Premier League is the best way to continue my career."

Getty Images

Tottenham are next expected to turn their attentions to Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu once he has finished competing for Japan in the Olympic Games.

The hosts face Mexico in the Bronze Medal match this morning. Meanwhile, Sunderland have held talks for highly-rated Spurs youngster Dennis Cirkin.

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