Tottenham captain Cristian Romero becomes target of three-way transfer battle

Atletico Madrid’s move for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has been complicated by late interest from Barcelona, while Arsenal have also explored the possibility of signing the Argentina defender.

Romero and Tottenham have already agreed that the player’s time in north London should come to an end during the current summer transfer window. That development could also encourage Tottenham to accelerate talks over a new contract for Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, according to TEAMtalk.

Negotiations between Romero and Atletico Madrid have progressed positively. The player has reached an agreement on personal terms with the Spanish club, while Atletico and Tottenham are understood to be edging closer to an agreement over the transfer fee.

Atletico have increased their efforts during the past 48 hours after completing the departures of full-backs Nahuel Molina, who has joined Roma, and Matteo Ruggeri, who has moved to Aston Villa. Those deals have created additional financial room for the Madrid club to pursue Romero.

However, while Atletico work to complete the signing, Romero’s representatives and intermediaries have continued discussions with other clubs interested in the defender. One of those clubs is Arsenal, Tottenham’s traditional north London rivals.

Arsenal have previously signed players from Tottenham, most notably Sol Campbell, who crossed the divide to join the Gunners in 2001.

Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his defence after William Saliba suffered a back problem that could keep him out until the end of this year. Ezri Konsa, the Aston Villa defender, remains among the options being considered by Arsenal, but the club have also shown interest in Romero and have held discussions with his representatives.

Tottenham, though, remain completely opposed to the prospect of Romero joining Arsenal. Sources within the club told TEAMtalk that the Premier League side has “no intention” of considering a deal with their London rivals.

Tottenham remain in full control of Romero’s future because he has three years left on his contract. The club are unwilling to strengthen one of their most significant domestic competitors.

Arsenal’s interest has not developed into direct negotiations with Tottenham. Intermediaries have also made it clear to the north London club that completing a transfer in those circumstances would not be possible.

Barcelona have now emerged as serious contenders for Romero, particularly with the Catalan club nearing an agreement to loan Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo to Liverpool.

Barcelona are also considering the departures of several players, including Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Tommy Marques and Roony Bardghji. Those exits could create room in both the squad and the club’s budget for a move for Romero.

Atletico are fully aware of Barcelona’s interest but remain confident they can secure the defender. Manager Diego Simeone is determined to bring the Argentina international to the club, and Atletico hope to speed up their negotiations with Tottenham in the coming days.

The Madrid side are concerned that Barcelona, or another interested club, could intervene and disrupt their plans. Atletico remain at the front of the race for Romero, but Barcelona’s entry and Arsenal’s unexpected approach have increased the uncertainty surrounding the Tottenham captain’s next move.