Atletico Madrid could sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham for €40m
Quick summary
Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Cristian Romero from Tottenham for €40m, potentially stealing the defender from Inter Milan's grasp.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter run the very real risk of losing Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid, as they cannot buy from Tottenham Hotspur until first selling Benjamin Pavard, Davide Frattesi or Kristjan Asllani.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina attends a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images) The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia last season, and have set themselves the target of doing better in the Champions League this term, but reinforcements are not arriving.
They’ve been close to agreements several times only for them to fall apart, as Chelsea out-bid them for Marco Palestra, then Anan Khalaili failed his medical on a move from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Inter can’t keep Romero waiting forever SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur is seen crying during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Multiple sources are confident Inter have a handshake deal with Tottenham for Romero at €40m, but cannot go through with it until first agreeing personal terms, then making sales to raise funds.
This is a huge problem, because Atletico Madrid agreed two sales today, sending Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa for circa €18m plus add-ons , and Nahuel Molina to Roma for €13m plus add-ons.
There is still one key benefit for Inter, as Marca report that the proposal planned from Atletico Madrid is only €30m for Romero, which probably won’t be enough to sway Spurs.
The fact remains, Inter cannot take action because they have too many players still waiting to be moved on.
Pavard returned from his loan experience at Olympique Marseille and seems reticent to accept more temporary transfers.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Kristjan Asllani with his team-mates Davide Frattesi and Stefan De Vrij after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Asllani has not been part of the Nerazzurri’s plans for months now, but he was on loan at both Torino and Besiktas last season, failing to impress at either club.
The third spare wheel is Frattesi, whose position has been with one foot out of the door for two years at this point, yet never seems to make the extra step.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale in action during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) There have been suggestions in La Gazzetta dello Sport of a potential exchange with Juventus between Frattesi and Nico Gonzalez, while Nottingham Forest remain interested.
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What happened
Atletico Madrid have emerged as a potential destination for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who has been linked with a €40m move. Inter Milan had previously been interested but the presence of their outcasts and the lure of Atletico could see Romero move to La Liga instead. The story frames Inter's outcast players as part of the reason a deal with the Italian club stalled, giving Atletico an opening to poach the Argentine centre-back.
Chance analysis
Romero is a top-tier centre-back whose potential availability at €40m represents a significant market opportunity. For Tottenham, losing a defensive leader would be a major blow, while Atletico Madrid would strengthen a key area. Inter Milan's failure to move outcast players has indirectly opened the door for their rivals, highlighting the interconnected nature of the transfer market. A confirmed move would have ripple effects across Premier League and La Liga title races.
If Romero leaves Tottenham for Atletico Madrid, Spurs lose their best centre-back while Atletico significantly upgrade their defence.
Monitor Romero's transfer status closely as it affects Tottenham's defensive strength and Atletico's title credentials.