Atlético Madrid enter Cristian Romero race as Inter face fresh competition

Atlético Madrid are preparing to rival Inter Milan for the signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, with Diego Simeone determined to bring the Argentina international to the Spanish capital this summer.

According to reports in Spain, Atlético have renewed their long-standing interest in Romero after learning Tottenham are prepared to consider offers for the 28-year-old. The development comes despite Inter already making significant progress in negotiations for the centre-back.

The Serie A champions are understood to have agreed the framework of a €40 million deal with Tottenham, while personal terms on a five-year contract worth around €5.5 million per season have also reportedly been settled.

Although Inter currently appear to be leading the race, Atlético believe they still have a realistic opportunity to secure Romero's signature.

Marca reports that the defender has long been admired by Diego Simeone, with the Argentine coach identifying his international teammate as one of his priority defensive targets over several transfer windows.

Crucially, the Spanish club believe Romero favours a move to Madrid despite the progress already made by Inter. If that proves accurate, Atlético could gain a significant advantage once formal negotiations accelerate.

Romero's decision is expected to play a decisive role in determining where he plays next season.

Inter have invested considerable time in negotiations and are believed to have reached agreements with both Tottenham and the player. However, Atlético's confidence stems from the belief that Romero remains attracted by the prospect of working under Simeone in La Liga.

Should the defender prioritise a move to Spain, Atlético would be in a stronger position to negotiate directly with Tottenham despite currently trailing Inter financially.

Before submitting an official offer, Atlético are working to create room in both their transfer budget and wage bill.

The report states that the departures of Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina are expected to generate the funds required to launch a formal approach. Once those deals are completed, sporting director Mateu Alemany is expected to present Tottenham with an offer worth around €30 million.

That valuation remains below Spurs' reported €40 million asking price and also falls short of Inter's proposed package, believed to consist of €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses.

Despite the financial gap, Atlético remain optimistic they can revive a pursuit that has stretched back several seasons.

While Atlético prepare their move, Inter are also yet to complete the transfer.

Reports suggest Benjamin Pavard's future could prove significant, with the French defender's departure potentially required before Inter finalise Romero's arrival.

That uncertainty leaves the door slightly open for Atlético, ensuring one of the summer's most intriguing defensive transfer battles remains unresolved.

The coming days could prove decisive as Atlético Madrid look to complete outgoing transfers before submitting an official offer for Romero. Inter remain in a strong position after progressing negotiations with both Tottenham and the player, but the defender's final preference may ultimately determine which club secures one of Europe's most sought-after centre-backs.