Atletico Madrid are closing in on an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for Cristian Romero, but TEAMtalk can reveal that Barcelona and, sensationally, Arsenal have both held talks with the Argentine’s camp.
Talks between Romero and Atletico have gone extremely well, with personal terms already agreed and the two clubs now closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee. Atletico have stepped up their efforts significantly over the last 48 hours after completing agreements for the departures of full-backs Nahuel Molina to Roma and Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa. Inter Milan had previously led the race but failed to reach an agreement with Romero over personal terms.
Arsenal are looking at defensive reinforcements after William Saliba suffered a back problem which could potentially keep him out for the remainder of the year. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa remains among the options being assessed, but TEAMtalk can confirm that Arsenal have also shown an interest in Romero and have made contact with his camp.
Spurs sources have told TEAMtalk that the club have ‘zero intention’ of considering a deal with Arsenal. Tottenham retain complete control of Romero’s future given he has three years remaining on his contract and will not entertain the prospect of strengthening their biggest domestic rivals. Arsenal’s interest has not progressed to negotiations between the clubs and intermediaries have already made it clear to the Gunners’ hierarchy that a deal is not possible.
El Desmarque states: ‘The only way Romero could leave Tottenham to join Arsenal would be by paying his release clause, which amounts to £55m [€64.2m] for Premier League teams, although Arsenal is preparing to submit an offer.’
We can also confirm that Barcelona have emerged as genuine contenders. The Catalan giants have agreed to loan Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, while Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Tommy Marques and Roony Bardghji are all in discussions over possible departures. Simeone is pushing hard for Romero’s arrival and Atletico are now hoping to accelerate negotiations with Tottenham over the coming days to prevent either Barcelona or another suitor from disrupting their plans.