Cristian Romero has settled on Atletico Madrid as his preferred destination this summer, ending a week in which Arsenal mounted an attempt to bring the Tottenham captain across north London. The 28-year-old Argentina international has thanked both Arsenal and Inter Milan for their interest but does not wish to join either club.
Atletico have tabled an offer in the region of €26m fixed plus a further €8.7m in variables, and Tottenham are said to have accepted that proposal. The player's personal terms with the Spanish club are described as practically resolved, with Atletico hoping to have Romero on board before their fixture against Málaga on 19th August. Sporting director Mateu Alemany is fully focused on completing the transfer.
Luca Bendoni of Sky Sports has reported that Atletico and Tottenham are in talks and making progress on a deal, with the situation described as entering crucial hours, though no green light has yet been given.
Arsenal were drawn into the pursuit after William Saliba sustained a long-term back injury during France's 2026 World Cup campaign, leaving Mikel Arteta short in central defence. The club contacted Romero's representatives to understand what a deal would look like, though Tottenham, upon learning of their rivals' interest, made their position clear: the Spurs captain would not be sold to Arsenal. Journalist Jacobs, speaking on talkSPORT, explained why Arsenal's involvement was always likely to come to nothing. "Very slim, unless there's a clause that we don't know about, because Tottenham don't want to do business with Arsenal," he said. "And as you said, it would take astronomical money to even start a conversation. And Arsenal have been quite disciplined in the market. Romero would be open to Arsenal as one option, but nothing really more to say at this point. And Atleti[co] are the ones working on this deal."
Jacobs added that Atletico feel in control of proceedings, with Romero's preference for a move to LaLiga described as both a football and a family decision. Arsenal, he noted, are also considering Ezri Konsa as a defensive option, with a gap remaining on valuation with Aston Villa.
Romero's preference for the Atletico project is partly attributed to the pull of manager Diego Simeone. Barcelona had also kept a close watch on the situation, with Romero's entourage hoping the Catalan club might make a formal move, though their primary focus lay elsewhere. Inter Milan had been actively working on a deal before Atletico accelerated their approach, with the Italian club agreeing a £34m fee with Spurs but failing to reach agreement on personal terms.
Tottenham's willingness to let Romero leave follows a turbulent period. Having been a central figure in their Europa League victory, his standing at the club deteriorated through the latter stages of last season. Spurs have since added Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to their defensive options, with Senesi arriving on a free transfer and van Hecke joining from Brighton.
Romero's record in north London derbies offers little to soften his exit. Of the six he featured in against Arsenal, he lost five and drew one. Tottenham's board appear content to let him leave — provided the destination is not across the city.
Reporting: Sport Witness, Football Insider, TeamTalk, Daily Mail, CaughtOffside, FourFourTwo.