Cristian Romero set for move as Atletico Madrid overtakes Inter
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero, whose contract runs until 2029, is expected to leave the club this summer. Tottenham have priced the defender at around €50 million, but have ruled out selling him to rivals Arsenal. Inter Milan reached a verbal agreement with Tottenham for a €40 million fee, yet the deal stalled because Inter must first off‑load players such as Benjamin Pavard to free up funds and squad space.
Atletico Madrid have emerged as the leading bidder. The Spanish side is preparing an offer of €30‑40 million, financed by the recent sales of Nahuel Molina to Roma and Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa, which together generate roughly €40 million. Atletico’s interest is backed by manager Diego Simeone, who has indicated the club is ready to meet Romero’s personal terms. With Inter’s market blocked and Arsenal’s interest rejected by Tottenham, Atletico Madrid now appears poised to secure the Argentine centre‑back.
The transfer saga involves multiple clubs, but the current trajectory points to a move to La Liga rather than Serie A.
Entities: Ashley Phillips · Atlético Madrid · Cristian Romero · Diego Simeone · Guglielmo Vicario · Inter Milan · Tottenham Hotspur
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tottenham are arranging exits for other players, such as Ashley Phillips, to balance their books. (multiple sources)
- [DISPUTED] Inter Milan had a verbal agreement for a €40 million fee with Tottenham for Romero but personal terms were not settled. (multiple sources)
- [DISPUTED] Tottenham set Romero's price at €50 million but may accept a lower offer. (multiple sources)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Atletico Madrid prepared a bid of around €40 million for Cristian Romero. (multiple sources)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Inter Milan cannot complete the Romero purchase until they sell Benjamin Pavard. (Inter Milan have a verbal agreement for Romero but need to sell Benjamin Pavard before proceeding.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Romero's contract runs until 2029. (multiple sources)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Atletico Madrid funded its bid for Romero with the sales of Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri, offering around €40 million. (multiple sources)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Romero expressed a desire to play in Spain and prefers Atletico over Inter. (Romero wants to play in Spain and prefers Atletico Madrid over Inter Milan.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Arsenal have shown interest in Romero but Tottenham would not sell to them. (multiple sources)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tottenham have signed central defenders Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer. (Tottenham added Marco Senesi (free) and Jan Paul van Hecke (£52 m) during the current transfer window.)
- [DISPUTED] Tottenham set Romero's price at around €50 million. (multiple sources)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Atletico Madrid is now the leading bidder for Romero as Inter's deal stalls. (multiple sources)