Fabrizio Romano reveals Cristian Romero twist out of Tottenham with new talks underway
1 week ago
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Published Aug 7, 2026, 2:17 PM GMT+1
Tom is a football journalist with over five years of experience, specialising in Premier League reporting, feature writing and transfer analysis, with particular expertise covering Liverpool and Everton.
His work has been featured in The Non-League Paper, Crawley Observer, Sussex Express and The Redmen TV, where he produced features, news and exclusive interviews across all levels of the game.
For Football FanCast, Tom has interviewed a number of respected figures from across football, including Ally McCoist, Philippe Senderos and Chris Waddle. Elsewhere, he has covered the National League South play-off final, Formula E's London E-Prix, Crawley Town and Brighton & Hove Albion's Under-21s.
Tom's expertise lies in analysing transfer developments, explaining what they mean for clubs and supporters, and producing in-depth features on the biggest stories in football. Through years of covering Liverpool and Everton, he has developed an extensive understanding of Merseyside football, both clubs' recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to their supporters. He has also built strong relationships across the football industry that add valuable context to his reporting and analysis.
Tom also enjoys writing features on the broader challenges facing football, its clubs, players, governing bodies and, most importantly, supporters.
There's less than a month to go until the transfer window slams shut and, against all odds, Cristian Romero is still a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Now, that may not last much longer, but it speaks volumes about the saga that he has endured since the end of the World Cup. Even in the final weeks of the window, the latest reports indicate that there are more twists to come, too.
Every club interested in Cristian Romero
Why they want Romero
Why Romero would join
Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone is a long-term admirer and sees Romero as a natural fit for his aggressive defensive style. Atlético are looking for a top-level centre-back and view him as a leader who can immediately strengthen their back line.
The biggest attraction is Simeone and the chance to return to Spain. Romero’s aggressive, front-foot defending and mentality fit Atlético’s identity, while Champions League football and a move closer to Argentina could also appeal.
Inter Milan
Inter have identified Romero as a priority defensive target and are looking for an experienced centre-back to strengthen their back line. His Serie A experience with Atalanta is a major attraction.
A return to Italy would be appealing after his successful spell at Atalanta. Inter offer Champions League football, a realistic chance of competing for trophies and a tactical system that suits his ability to defend aggressively and step forward with the ball.
Arsenal
Arsenal have monitored Romero as a potential defensive addition due to his leadership, experience and ability to play at the highest level. However, a move would be difficult because of the rivalry between the clubs.
Arsenal would offer Premier League football, Champions League competition and a chance to compete for major honours. However, joining Tottenham’s biggest domestic rival makes this the least likely option.
Romero has not been short on interest, even from arch-rivals Arsenal. Whilst losing the World Cup winner would be an almighty blow, the Lilywhites have already prepared for his departure by signing Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and are set to tie Micky van de Ven down to a new deal.
Now, decision time is fast approaching and Fabrizio Romano's latest update has detailed the next twist expected to arrive regarding the defender's immediate future.
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Romero's move to Inter Milan has collapsed after the Italian club failed to sell Benjamin Pavard to fund their deal.
The transfer expert had his say: "I would put Atletico Madrid way way ahead of Inter today for Cuti Romero, because Inter had a deal in place with Tottenham for Romero in terms of club to club agreement for €40m, but never got a green light together with the player.
"Why Inter didn't proceed? Because Inter didn't sell a player. They were needing to sell Benjamin Pavard in order to let Romero join the club. This didn't happen and now Romero is clear leaning towards moving to Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid are clear favourites.
"What I can tell you today is that Atletico Madrid already started club-to-club negotiations with Tottenham for Romero. First official bid rejected. There will be a new official bid incoming for Romero. Atletico Madrid are working out how to get Romero."
That will come as a relief for Tottenham, who may have been concerned by Arsenal's sudden presence in the race to sign their club captain in a repeat of the Sol Campbell move many moons ago.
The departure of Romero will truly signal the start of a new era for Spurs' backline and one they desperately hope will not feature back-to-back relegation scraps.