Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi addresses Romero and Richarlison exits
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has addressed mounting speculation surrounding the futures of Cristian Romero and Richarlison following a pre-season victory in Sydney.
Recent reports from Argentina suggested a £34m bid from Inter Milan had been accepted for the Spurs captain.
The World Cup winner is widely expected to depart north London just a year after signing a four-year contract and taking the armband.
However, the Italian head coach insisted he has no knowledge of any formal transfer negotiations.
Pre-season plans and Inter Milan links
“I texted with Cuti yesterday to make a plan for when he comes back to London,” De Zerbi explained to reporters.
“[I did not speak to him about] the transfer market. That’s not my job. I know there are many solutions in the transfer market.”
The Argentine centre-back missed Saturday’s 2-1 friendly win over Chelsea having been granted extended leave following his nation’s international exploits.
Richarlison pondering summer departure
Meanwhile, doubt also surrounds the future of Tottenham’s match-winner against the Blues.
The Brazilian forward netted a stoppage-time goal to secure the derby victory, but it could prove to be his final strike for the club.
Following the match, the Spurs boss conceded that his attacker is currently contemplating a summer exit.
“I like him as a player, as a guy,” De Zerbi stated.
“It’s unbelievable the attitude and behaviour, but at the end we have to respect what he wants to do.”
Praise for the Brazilian’s work ethic
Despite the uncertainty, the manager reiterated the forward’s value to the squad after a campaign in which he registered 12 goals.
“But, for me, he’s still an important player, because it’s not so easy to find another striker like Richarlison, because he scores goals,” he added.
“I don’t know [if he wants to leave] … there is not any problem, he’s a lovely guy.
“All of us love him, the team-mates, the club, the staff, because he works hard every day, seriously every day.”