Cristian Romero has emerged as a shock option for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defence before the transfer window closes.

It would be one of the most explosive deals English football has seen for years.

The Argentina international is Tottenham's captain, a World Cup winner and one of the most recognisable players on the other side of north London.

His future at Spurs has appeared increasingly uncertain despite signing a new £195,000-per-week contract, running until 2029, last summer.

Supporters' relationship with Romero has also fractured since last season, and he reportedly wants a move away as Atlético Madrid now enter talks with Tottenham.

Inter Milan have also held discussions and remain interested, although the Italian club are understood to need a sale before they can move decisively.

Reports suggest the offers under discussion are worth around £35 million to £40 million. Tottenham have already prepared for a possible exit by adding Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to Roberto De Zerbi's defensive options.

Arsenal's interest this summer is easy to understand, albeit ambitious.

Romero is proven in the Premier League, comfortable defending high up the pitch and capable of stepping into midfield to break up attacks. He also helped Spurs win the Europa League in 2025 and was named the competition's player of the season.

However, the 28-year-old has collected four Premier League red cards since joining Spurs in 2021. Two arrived last season, when suspensions repeatedly interrupted a campaign that also ended early because of a knee injury.

That aggression is part of what makes him effective, but Arsenal would need Arteta to channel it. Availability matters to a club expecting to challenge for every major trophy.

The bigger problem is Tottenham.

The Guardian reports that Spurs have already rejected an Arsenal approach and do not intend to sell their captain to their fiercest rivals, with personal terms reportedly in place with Atletico.

That said, Spurs insider Paul O'Keefe has now added a fascinating twist.

Cristian Romero has been 'twerking' for Arsenal to move for him

O'Keefe claims Romero has been pushing for Arsenal to join the race because of his relationship with Gabriel Heinze, who joined Arteta's coaching staff last year.

Heinze is a former Argentina defender with a reputation for demanding, aggressive football. O'Keefe did not explain how his relationship with Romero developed, but believes the player is keen to work with him at the Emirates Stadium.

That does not mean a deal is likely, though.

O'Keefe was equally clear that Tottenham will not entertain the idea. Selling abroad is one thing, but allowing Romero to cross north London would be another entirely.

No player has moved from Spurs to Arsenal since Sol Campbell's infamous free transfer in 2001. William Gallas was the last player to move directly between the clubs, heading in the opposite direction in 2010, but he was a free agent after leaving N5 first.

Romero may want Arsenal involved and Arteta may admire his qualities, but Tottenham control the talks.

Unless that position changes, his message to Heinze is more likely to pressure Atlético and Inter than produce a sensational move to the Emirates.