Arsenal have reportedly missed out on Cristian Romero after the Tottenham defender decided to join Atlético Madrid.
According to reports from Argentina, Romero has thanked Barcelona, Inter Milan and Arsenal for their interest before choosing Atlético as his preferred destination following his departure from Tottenham.
Diego Simeone’s persistence is understood to have played a major role in the decision, with the Atlético Madrid manager having pushed for Romero’s arrival across the last three transfer windows.
The Spanish club are now working to complete an agreement for the Argentina international, with talks expected to intensify this afternoon.
Only minor details are reportedly left to resolve before the deal can be completed, with Atlético hoping to have Romero arrive in Madrid between Wednesday and Thursday.
For Arsenal, the development represents a blow in their search for another centre-back.
The Gunners have been looking at options to strengthen their defensive depth this summer and Romero had emerged as one of the players attracting interest.
Arsenal’s interest was particularly notable given the defender’s Premier League experience, having spent several seasons with Tottenham before his expected departure from north London.
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Romero has established himself as one of the leading defenders in the Premier League and has also played a key role for Argentina at international level.
His availability following his Tottenham exit therefore made him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen at the back.
However, Atlético appear to have won the race for his signature.
Simeone’s long-standing pursuit has ultimately proved decisive, with Romero reportedly choosing the Spanish side despite interest from several major European clubs.
The report claims the defender has already made his decision, leaving Arsenal to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
The Gunners have continued to assess the market for a centre-back as Mikel Arteta looks to build greater depth across his squad ahead of another demanding campaign.
Romero’s decision means one of the more high-profile options on their radar now appears to be off the table.
For Atlético, meanwhile, the potential signing would represent a major statement as they look to strengthen their squad with an established Argentina international.
Talks between all parties are expected to continue, with the final details of the agreement now being worked on.
If everything proceeds as planned, Romero could arrive in Madrid as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.
Arsenal will now have to turn their attention elsewhere as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements.