Juventus have announced that Atalanta have exercised the right to sign Tottenham target Cristian Romero on a permanent deal.
The Argentine defender joined on a temporary deal at the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign, with a two-year stay expected. The Bergamo outfit also held a clause to make the transfer permanent, a decision that they have chosen to take a year early.
Juventus announced his switch with a short statement on Friday afternoon.
It read: "Juventus Football Club SpA announces that the company Atalanta BCSpA, following the agreement signed on 5 September 2020, has exercised the option right for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Cristian Romero for a consideration of €16 million (£13.6million), payable in three years.
"This operation generates a negative economic effect on the 2020/2021 financial year of €4.8 million (£4.1million), due to the adjustment of the player's net book value."
Romero's switch to Atalanta is not expected to be his final destination this summer, with a move to Spurs edging closer.
football.london understands that Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici has been in advanced talks with Atalanta for some time over a deal.
A move appeared extremely close yesterday, with defender having given his thoughts on a move ahead of a flight to London.
As quoted by Sky in Italy, he said: "Tottenham and [Fabio] Paratici strongly wanted me. I thank them, from day one they were interested in me, I liked the project they have for me and so that’s why I chose Tottenham. Now I have to respond on the field."
Once his move to north London is confirmed, Romero will become Tottenham's third addition to Nuno Espirito Santo's squad of the summer. He follows former Atalanta teammate Pierluigi Gollini in swapping Bergamo for north London, whilst Bryan Gil has also been brought in from Sevilla.
Meanwhile, Romero's current employers Atalanta have already sealed his immediate replacement with the arrival of Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
