Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is a step closer to joining Atletico Madrid after reaching an agreement over a five-year contract with €6 million-a-year wages.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are in talks over a deal worth €40-45 million, figures around the asking price set by the North London club. With the 28-year-old centre-back agreeing to sign a five-year contract with Los Rojiblancos, he appears to be closing in on moving to Estadio Metropolitano.
However, Barcelona will attempt to launch a late hijack to beat Atletico Madrid to the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s signature. Per TEAMtalk, Barcelona and Arsenal have held talks with Romero’s entourage, hoping to turn his head despite his relentless links with the Colchoneros.
Cristian Romero been an asset for Tottenham Hotspur in the last few seasons due to his experience and leadership, particularly during the recent turbulent period. However, the 28-year-old has had an inconsistent run since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Atalanta. Spurs initially signed him on loan for the 2021/22 season before completing a permanent move 12 months later.
The Argentine international has made over 150 appearances for the club while contributing 13 goals and 7 assists. However, Romero’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been uncertain since the conclusion of the disastrous 2025/26 campaign. The situation has provoked attention from several high-profile clubs.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Cristian Romero makes sense, given their underlying defensive gaps. Clement Lenglet has joined SL Benfica, while Jose Maria Gimenez is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. Romero has thus emerged as an appealing fit for Los Rojiblancos, with his leadership and game-reading ability attracting the club.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will pursue a centre-back in the ongoing transfer window, as Ronald Araujo is closing in on joining Liverpool on a season-long loan deal. With Andreas Christensen struggling with persistent fitness issues in the last two seasons, Barcelona must sign a centre-back who can seamlessly line up alongside Pau Cubarsi.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners are concerned about the right-sided centre-back’s berth, as William Saliba is a long-term absentee due to a lower back injury. So, they have identified the Tottenham skipper as one of the candidates who can fill the Frenchman’s void. Recent reports have suggested he is open to joining Arsenal.
However, per TEAMtalk, Tottenham will not entertain any bids from Arsenal, which makes sense, considering the frosty relations between the two North London clubs. However, Barcelona’s attempts to sign the Argentine international will leave Atletico Madrid concerned, as widespread reports have suggested he dreams of joining the Catalan club.
