Cristian Romero deal could help Atletico keep Julian Alvarez

Atletico de Madrid have reached a preliminary agreement with Tottenham to sign Argentina international defender Cristian Romero, in a move that could also help resolve the club’s concerns over the future of Julian Alvarez.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the agreement would see Atletico pay about €40m for the centre-back, with the package understood to include €35m in fixed fees and a further €5m in potential add-ons.

Negotiations between the two clubs continued after Atletico had spent several days discussing personal terms with Romero. The talks accelerated and an initial agreement was reached on Wednesday night.

If the remaining discussions proceed without complication, Romero is expected to travel to Madrid on Thursday for a medical. Atletico would then secure one of the most highly regarded central defenders in world football.

The Argentina defender is known by the nickname “Cuti”, while his aggressive and combative style has also earned him the description “the madman”. His arrival would give Atletico a significant addition at the heart of their defence and fulfil a long-standing ambition for the player.

Romero has reportedly preferred Atletico’s proposal ahead of offers from other major European clubs. The 27-year-old is now set to have the opportunity to work under Diego Simeone, the manager he has wanted to play for, should the transfer be completed.

The move became a priority for Atletico after the expected departures of Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri gathered pace. With both full-backs set to leave, and Thiago Almada moving to River Plate, sporting director Mateo Alemany began work on a target the club had pursued for some time.

Romero was Atletico’s main defensive objective last season. However, Tottenham’s financial demands led the Spanish club to withdraw from the race rather than meet the asking price.

A year later, the circumstances have changed and Atletico are now close to completing the deal. The agreement would strengthen Simeone’s defensive options while also bringing a player who has long favoured a move to the Madrid club.

Romero’s potential arrival could have wider consequences for Atletico’s squad. Previous reports have suggested that his close relationship with Julian Alvarez may provide the club with an unexpected way to persuade the forward to remain at Atletico.

Alvarez has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and Atletico are understood to be hoping Romero can help convince his international team-mate to abandon that idea. The pair’s relationship could therefore become an important factor as the club attempts to keep Alvarez in Madrid.

For now, Romero’s medical is the next expected step in a transfer that would address Atletico’s defensive needs and potentially influence the future of another Argentina international.