Arsenal have not yet given up hope of completing a highly controversial signing of the current Tottenham Hotspur captain, Cristian Romero.
Over the last 24 hours, Atletico Madrid have emerged as the clear front-runners for Romero’s signature, having overtaken Inter Milan in the transfer race.
All parties are now confident that Romero will complete a move to the Metropolitano Stadium after the centre-back agreed personal terms with Diego Simeone’s side.
It first emerged a couple of weeks ago that Arsenal also explored a move for Romero, and it appears that the Gunners’ interest in the defender has not gone away.
Arsenal now ‘pushing hard’ to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham
Although Atletico are working on completing a swift deal for the World Cup winner, several sources are continuing to report that Mikel Arteta’s men have not given up on the player.
This includes Alfredo Pedulla, who explained that Arsenal have been pushing hard for Romero over the last few days, but added that Atletico are now just waiting for the ‘final steps’ to complete the deal.
Pedulla wrote on his website: “We can add that in just a few minutes, direct contact has been established between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid to get to the heart of the matter. Atletico is moving forward, and an agreement with Cuti would not be a problem.
“It’s the same deal Inter reached last Friday (after previously reaching an agreement worth around €40 million for his transfer with Tottenham). We explained that it was a way to get ahead of the competition, but that the deal would be unlocked by a sale, a top priority.
“Pavard in particular offered to the entire world but without much appeal; furthermore, the Frenchman has so far rejected the few offers the Nerazzurri have received. And so, it was inevitable that competition would return: Atletico Madrid had started with a lower price for the player, and will have to reach at least the famous €40 million.
“Arsenal have also been pushing hard for Cristian Romero in recent days, but relations with Tottenham have been frosty for years. We’ll have to wait for the final steps, but right now, Atlético are leading the race for the Argentine central defender.”
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal’s interest in Romero is ‘real’
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the Premier League champions are still attempting to raid their North London rivals for the central defender.
However, he too suggested that Atletico are ‘the most active club’ in the race for Romero and are about to send an offer to Spurs.
Romano wrote on X: “Cuti Romero’s situation: Inter Milan has a deal with Tottenham but not yet with him. Atlético Madrid is about to make an offer that matches Inter Milan’s. The sales of Molina and Almada gave them room to be able to bid. Arsenal’s interest in Cuti Romero is real. The most active club is Atlético Madrid.”
Finally, Argentine journalist Gaston Edul also confirmed that Arsenal launched ‘enquiries’ for Romero over the past few days but revealed that Tottenham Hotspur prefer to sell their captain abroad.
He wrote on X: “Atlético Madrid are in club-to-club talks with Tottenham for Cuti Romero. Arsenal also made inquiries this week but Spurs prefer to sell abroad. Atléti in talks also with player’s camp; Inter had agreed terms with Spurs but still need exits.”