Atletico Madrid are preparing a fresh offer for Cristian Romero, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Spanish club are still yet to reach an agreement with the Tottenham captain.
It was suggested over the last week that Inter Milan had reached an agreement with Tottenham over a £34m deal for Cristian Romero, but Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Italian side were still unable to agree personal terms with the Argentina international.
The overall financial package required to complete the move was reportedly ‘prohibitive’ for Inter, who would need to sell players before they could generate enough funds to sign Romero.
That has opened the door for Atletico Madrid, long-term admirers of the World Cup winner, to step up their interest and become the clear frontrunners.
Arsenal have also surprisingly been credited with an interest in the Tottenham captain, although Spurs would prefer to sell Romero abroad. At this stage, Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano looks the likeliest destination.
Atletico Madrid preparing £34m second bid for Cristian Romero
Reports from Spain recently claimed that Romero had already agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid, with the defender believed to be keen on making the move to the Spanish capital.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now completely denied those claims, explaining on his latest YouTube video that Atletico are still negotiating with the player’s representatives and have yet to reach an agreement.
“Atletico Madrid are preparing a new official bid to Tottenham. They already sent a bid to Spurs and they are preparing a second proposal. But Atletico Madrid at the moment still don’t have any agreement closed with Cuti Romero.
“They are talking with Cuti Romero. They are talking with the agent but still no agreement close.”
Romano later provided more information on the planned proposal, revealing that Atletico’s second offer is expected to be worth around €40m (£34.2m), putting it broadly in line with the agreement Spurs had reached with Inter.
The Spanish club are now in a stronger financial position to make that offer after completing the departures of Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, with Matteo Ruggeri also expected to leave.
According to Romano, Atletico’s second bid should arrive ‘soon’.
In a second YouTube video, Romano added details on Arsenal and Inter Milan’s interest in Romero too.
He said: “Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero. Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero.
“What’s the point?“The relationship, Arsenal Tottenham is obviously a complicated relationship.
“Way easier for Tottenham to give the green light to Atletico Madrid. My understanding is that the clear favourites to sign Cuti Romero now are Atletico Madrid.
“The player is negotiating with them. Atletico Madrid are negotiating with Tottenham. So, Atletico are on it.
“Inter had an agreement with Tottenham for some time, but Inter, if they do not sell Benjamin Pavard, they can’t proceed, and also they still don’t have an agreement on the contract. So, this depends on the outgoings for Inter.
“Atletico Madrid are already in negotiations. Arsenal asked for information, but Tottenham don’t want to sell to Arsenal. So, the only way would be an historical green light from Tottenham to Arsenal.
“Let’s see what’s going to happen on that one, but I expect Arsenal to go for a centre-back.”
Barcelona ‘have space’ to enter Romero race
Romano has also provided an update on Barcelona’s position after reports last week suggested the Catalan club had withdrawn from the race because of the overall cost involved.
With Atletico yet to reach an agreement with Romero, however, the Italian journalist insists Barcelona could still make their move if they decide to enter the race.
“So now if Barcelona want to enter in the Cuti Romero race, they still have space. They still have the possibility, but this will depend on Barca.
“Now Cuti Romero is in negotiations with Atletico Madrid as a priority. So this one will depend on Barca whether they want to enter or not.
Romano also shared an update on Inter Milan’s stance: “Inter at the moment are far away. For Inter is a very complicated deal because of several reasons. Also because Inter are not selling players, and so at the moment they cannot proceed.”