Cristian Romero picks Atletico de Madrid after Barcelona and Arsenal interest

Atletico de Madrid have completed the signing of Argentina defender Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur on a contract running until the summer of 2031.

The Spanish club confirmed the deal on Saturday, making Romero their fourth arrival of the current summer transfer window. The defender had been identified by manager Diego Simeone as his leading target to strengthen Atletico’s back line.

The transfer is worth about 40m euros, with 33m euros paid as an initial fee and a further 7m euros available in performance-related add-ons. Romero said goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur supporters on Friday before making the move to Madrid.

Romero had already emerged as a target for Atletico during last summer’s transfer window, but Tottenham Hotspur’s financial demands prevented an agreement from being reached at that time. Twelve months later, the Spanish side have secured the defender’s arrival and added a high-profile option to Simeone’s defensive plans.

The Argentina international is expected to become an important part of the Atletico project at the Metropolitano. His arrival follows a similar move involving David Hancko in 2025, with the club hoping Romero can establish himself as one of the central figures in the team.

Simeone now has an experienced and highly regarded defender at his disposal as Atletico seek to restore their defensive strength. The signing also represents the club’s successful conclusion to a pursuit that began last summer.

Before choosing Atletico, Romero had been the subject of interest from both Barcelona and Arsenal. The defender ultimately opted to continue his career in Madrid, where he has agreed terms through to 2031.

The transfer gives Atletico a fourth addition during the current window and strengthens an area that Simeone had made a priority. For Romero, it brings an end to his time with the London club and begins a new chapter with Atletico de Madrid.