CRISTIAN ROMERO’S potential transfer to Inter Milan appears to be eclipsed by interest from Atletico Madrid, with reports indicating that the Tottenham captain favors a move to the Spanish club.
According to sources from Spain, the Argentine defender is again a prime target for Diego Simeone, who is expected to make an opening bid of approximately £26 million for the Spurs captain.
At 28 years old, Romero has drawn interest from numerous elite clubs throughout Europe after another stellar season in North London and a notable performance at the World Cup this summer.
Inter has already submitted a proposal worth £35 million, consisting of a £30 million upfront payment and an additional £5 million based on performance, but it seems the Italian club might be left disappointed.
Spanish reports indicate that Romero has made it clear he wishes to join Atletico, eager to work with his compatriot Simeone.
The Spanish club nearly secured the center-back last summer, but talks fell through when they couldn’t meet Tottenham’s demand of approximately £55 million at the time.
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Atletico is optimistic about securing a deal for this long-coveted player.
The LaLiga outfit plans to offload Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina, which would generate the necessary funds and salary cap space for Romero’s acquisition.
Tottenham is reportedly amenable to allowing Romero to leave this summer, following a mutual understanding that he could go for the right fee.
His release clause is believed to be around £35 million, which could present Atletico with a chance if they can enhance their initial bid.
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Romero has expressed his admiration for Simeone and has consistently been linked with a transfer to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Reports indicate that the defender included a clause in his contract extension with Spurs, which runs until 2029, providing him additional security should a major Spanish club express interest.
In preparation for Romero’s potential departure, Tottenham has also signed two center-backs, Jan-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.
Atletico’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is focused on finalizing outgoing transfers before proceeding with an official offer for Romero, who remains their primary defensive target.
If Atletico successfully concludes the signing, Romero would choose to bypass Inter in favor of his long-held dream of playing under Simeone in Madrid.
