Atletico Madrid have agreed terms with Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Spurs are prepared to sell the 28-year-old for around £35m, and Atletico Madrid are already in club-to-club talks with a bid expected.
Romero made no secret of his desire to leave Tottenham last summer, even revealing in interviews he wanted to play in La Liga one day. Atletico Madrid had not come forward until now but in the last few weeks have decided to rekindle their interest.
Tottenham Ready to Sanction Romero Exit
Spurs are willing to sell the Argentina international, having added Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, and with Micky van der Ven set to sign a new contract. Although nothing is yet signed with Dutchman van der Ven, talks are advanced, with Roberto De Zerbi a big factor in the Dutch defender's decision to stay.
Romero is contracted until 2029, and with Van Hecke costing £52m from Brighton with just one year left on his deal, Spurs would be entitled to seek an equivalent fee. Yet an exit is viewed as suiting all parties, and that has in part informed Tottenham's valuation.
Inter have also been in talks with Spurs but are yet to agree personal terms with the Argentina international, who was a key member of the national team which reached a second consecutive World Cup final this summer. GIVEMESPORT understands Romero prefers to join Atletico Madrid, and is waiting to see if the clubs can agree a fee.
Arsenal have also discussed Romero, but are yet to make an approach to Spurs. Tottenham sources insist if they do so, it would be instantly dismissed as there is no desire to sell Romero to their north London rivals.
Romero Hailed as 'World-Class'
Romero has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League since arriving, and his centre-back partner Micky Van de Ven has regularly sung his praises, describing him as 'world-class' during their time together.
“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending.
“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”
Romero joined Spurs on an initial loan from Atalanta in August 2021, and a year later the move was made permanent. Romero has gone on to make 156 appearances for Spurs and captain the side, winning the 2024/25 Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.