Tottenham complete the £42.5m permanent signing of defender Cristian Romero

Tottenham have completed the permanent signing of Argentinian defender Cristian Romero for £42.5million.

After initially joining the club on loan from Atalanta in August 2021, the centre-back has now penned a deal with Spurs that will run until 2027.

Romero made 30 appearances in all competitions last year, scoring one goal, in a 2-0 win over Brighton.

The commanding and aggressive 24-year-old defender has become a key man for Antonio Conte's side.

He was a crucial part of the Italian's back three that ended the previous season with 10 wins from 14 Premier League games to help Spurs qualify for the Champions League.

The Argentinian international has made two appearances so far this season but is currently out injured after he picked up a muscle problem during Spurs' pulsating 2-2 clash with Chelsea.

The centre-back hit the headlines in that game when he pulled Marc Cucurella's hair but he escaped any punishment.

He has also won 11 caps for his country and will be expected to be part of the Argentinian squad at the World Cup this winter.