Cristian Romero’s future is beginning to look clearer, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Barcelona’s current stance on the Tottenham captain as Atletico Madrid continue pushing to sign him.
We have reported several times over the last few days that Atletico Madrid have stepped up their interest in Cristian Romero, with the Argentine now their priority after completing the sales of Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina.
The Spanish club are expected to return with a second bid worth around €40m (£34.2m) after Fabrizio Romano revealed that their opening offer of €30m plus €5m in bonuses was rejected by Tottenham, who still have Romero under contract until 2029.
Romano has since suggested that a deal is getting closer, with Romero having already given his ‘green light’ to a move to the Metropolitano, although the financial terms and length of his proposed contract are still to be agreed.
The World Cup winner has attracted interest from several clubs throughout the summer, but Romano has now provided updates on where each of his main suitors currently stand.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Barcelona stance on Cristian Romero
Last week, Romano suggested that Barcelona could still enter the race for Romero because Atletico Madrid had yet to reach an agreement on personal terms with the defender.
However, his latest update has made the Catalan club’s position considerably clearer, with Atletico’s pursuit now ‘on track’.
Speaking on his latest YouTube video, Romano said: “On Barcelona, Guys, what I can tell you tonight; my understanding is that Barcelona are not going for Romero as of today. Then, if tomorrow, (that) changes, I will let you know.
“But Barcelona say no to the Cuti Romero deal. This is a club decision; together with Hansi Flick, all (of them) together decided not to proceed.
“Again today, in the market guys, anything can happen. So should this change, I will let you know. But as of today, Barcelona are not going for Cuti Romero.”
For now, that leaves Atletico Madrid in the strongest position to sign the Tottenham captain, although the two clubs still need to finalise the financial side of the deal.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham stance on Arsenal interest
Romero has also surprisingly emerged as a target for Arsenal over the last few days, with the Tottenham captain reportedly open to the controversial move across North London.
However, Romano has made it clear that Spurs have no intention of allowing their club captain to join their biggest rivals.
He said: “Rumours on Arsenal; I told you guys. The problem here is between Tottenham and Arsenal. (There) is a direct rivalry, and so Tottenham, according to my information, have absolutely zero intention to sell the player to Arsenal.
“Tottenham sources say that this deal, for the club, for the ownership, for the management, cannot go
through. So for Tottenham it’s not possible to proceed on this one.”