Real Madrid eyeing up potential moves for 2 Tottenham stars - Reports
With Carlo Ancelotti facing multiple challenges due to injuries in defense, Real Madrid are reportedly keen on securing the services of Tottenham Hotspur duo Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro. According to the Mirror, Los Blancos are interested in the Argentine centre-back and the Spanish right-back.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Ancelotti this season. Their pursuit of Lenny Yoro fell through this summer, as Manchester United secured his services for a reported €62 million. This meant that Real Madrid started the season with only two fully fit center-backs - Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.
David Alaba is not expected to return until January next year, and adding to their woes, Militao has also suffered recurring injuries, while Dani Carvajal recently sustained a season-ending ACL injury. As a result, Ancelotti has been forced to deploy Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Rudiger, with both Lucas Vázquez and Federico Valverde filling in for Carvajal.
Given these issues, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero has emerged as a target, according to the Mirror (via TBR Football). The 26-year-old initially joined Spurs on loan during the 2021-22 season before making a permanent move the following season for a reported fee of £42 million.
Romero has since become a key player for the club and an integral part of Argentina’s defense, helping them win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
Pedro Porro has also come under Real Madrid’s radar following Carvajal’s injury, according to the Mirror. The Spanish full-back, who moved to Spurs in 2023, recently replaced Carvajal in Spain’s squad for the Nations League matches against Denmark and Serbia.
Real Madrid have been linked to several other defenders as well, including Arsenal’s William Saliba and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. Additionally, Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been touted as a potential target for Los Blancos.
Pedro Porro addresses rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid
Although Tottenham have had an inconsistent start to the season, Pedro Porro has begun the campaign in solid fashion, starting all seven of Spurs’ Premier League games and scoring once.
Real Madrid have been monitoring the Spanish defender, especially after Carvajal’s injury. Addressing the recent rumors, Porro expressed that he feels "proud" to be on the radar of the Spanish giants, but emphasized that his focus remains on the ongoing season with Spurs.
“Of course I’m proud with these links, it means I’m doing things well. If that happens one day, it happens. Now I’m fully focused on my club, Tottenham,” Porro said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Carlo Ancelotti will need to find a solution to address Real Madrid’s defensive issues. After the international break, they will face Celta Vigo, followed by two huge games - first against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and then a league clash with Barcelona.