Cristian Romero transfer news: Atletico Madrid in talks to sign Tottenham captain amid Inter Milan interest
Atletico Madrid are in talks to sign Tottenham captain Cristian Romero; Inter Milan are also keen but need to sell players before acting on their interest; Romero signed a new deal at Spurs last summer, which is set to expire in 2029
Friday 7 August 2026 10:57, UK
Atletico Madrid are in talks with Tottenham over signing their captain Cristian Romero.
Sky Sports News understands numbers have been discussed between the two clubs, but Spurs are yet to receive a formal offer.
Atletico have been long-term admirers of the Argentina international, who is expected to depart Spurs this summer.
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Inter Milan are also keen but, as things stand, they need to sell players before they can act on their interest.
According to Sky in Italy, the figures involved have made a deal complicated for Inter, both in terms of wages and fee.
Meanwhile, Atletico have made progress with sales of defenders Matteo Ruggeri, who is closing in on a move to Aston Villa, and Nahuel Molina, who is expected to join Roma, paving the way for them to approach Spurs.
Romero signed a new deal last summer - which expires in 2029 - when he was made captain by former boss Thomas Frank.
However, Spurs have a bloated centre-back department after signing Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi this summer.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has suggested during pre-season that he would not stand in Romero's way if he wished to leave.
What did De Zerbi say on Romero's future?
Speaking on July 30, De Zerbi was quizzed about Romero's uncertain future at the club amid overseas interest. "At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don't know, one million individual meetings!" he said.
"And [the players] told me what was their idea. I said: 'Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave'. If you don't help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!
"But Romero with me was unbelievable. Top. In his behaviour, his respect, he suffered when he did not play the last game. It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It's not true.
"After the semi-final [against England] we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for Vicario, like for every player."
De Zerbi added: "Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players."
