Atletico Madrid move closer to signing Barcelona target Cristian Romero

Atletico Madrid are nearing an agreement to sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, with the Argentina international having given the green light to a move during the current summer transfer window.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on X that negotiations between the two clubs had reached an advanced stage and that Atletico were preparing to submit an improved offer for the defender.

“Cristian Romero is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid… the deal is close, with a new proposal set to be sent to Tottenham soon,” Romano wrote.

He added: “Romero has given the green light to move to Atletico, and talks between the two clubs are entering their final stages.”

Romero’s approval is understood to have helped push the proposed transfer forward, although the deal still depends on the clubs reaching a final agreement. Atletico are expected to return to Tottenham with a fresh offer as they attempt to complete the signing.

Romero joined Tottenham as one of the leading defenders in European football and has remained a significant target for clubs seeking to strengthen their back line. According to Romano, however, Tottenham had not considered selling him to Arsenal.

“Tottenham never considered selling Romero to their neighbours Arsenal,” he said.

That detail is significant because Arsenal had been linked with the defender, but Tottenham were not prepared to negotiate a move to their London rivals. The report instead places Atletico in the strongest position to secure Romero’s services.

Barcelona have also been mentioned as a possible destination for the 27-year-old, but their current focus is elsewhere. Romano said Barcelona remain concentrated on a deal for Rodri and have not made an offer for Tottenham’s defender so far.

“Barcelona continue to focus on the Rodri deal, and there has been no bid for the Tottenham defender so far,” Romano added.

Romero has reportedly been one of Barcelona’s options for reinforcing their defence this summer. Their interest comes after Ronald Araujo moved to Liverpool on loan during the current transfer window, leaving the club to consider alternatives in that position.

For now, Atletico Madrid are the club closest to reaching an agreement for Romero. A new proposal to Tottenham is expected shortly, while discussions between the clubs continue towards their final stages.

Any move remains subject to the two sides completing the outstanding details of the deal. But with Romero’s approval already secured, Atletico have made significant progress in their attempt to sign the defender ahead of Barcelona and Arsenal.