Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has decided against a move to Arsenal, despite interest from the Gunners, and has instead chosen Atlético Madrid as his preferred destination.
Arsenal had entered the picture for the Argentina international over the past week, raising the prospect of a very controversial move across North London.
Romero has opted for Spain, though, and there are now claims from Argentina that Tottenham have accepted Atlético’s offer for him.
Fernando Czyz, a well-connected Argentine journalist with strong connections around the Argentina national team, reports that the defender has made his decision and will play for Diego Simeone’s side.
Tottenham accept Atlético offer
Czyz reports that Atlético have offered around €26m (£22.6m) fixed plus another €8.7m (£7.6m) in variables for Cristian Romero.
According to the journalist, Tottenham have accepted that proposal and the player’s contract with Atlético is “practically resolved”.
That would put Atlético in a commanding position after several clubs showed interest in the Tottenham defender.
Inter Milan had been working seriously on a deal before Atlético accelerated their efforts. Arsenal then joined the picture, but Romero’s preference for Spain appears to have counted against the Gunners.
For Arsenal, that seemingly closes off the prospect of taking one of Tottenham’s captains directly from their North London rivals.
Cristian Romero has thanked Arsenal and Inter Milan for their interest, but doesn’t want to join them.
Atlético want deal completed quickly
AS provides further detail from Spain and also says Cristian Romero has “chosen Atlético” despite interest from Arsenal and Inter.
The newspaper reports sporting director Mateu Alemany is fully focused on completing the transfer. Atlético ideally want everything sorted within the next 48 hours.
They hope to have Romero working under Simeone early enough to start adapting before their match against Málaga on August 19th.
AS estimates the operation could cost around €40m (£34.7m). Atlético have also created room to finance the transfer. The newspaper says the departures of Thiago Almada, Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri will bring in around €60m (£52m).
Barcelona have been hovering around the situation as well. Gianluigi Longari recently reported that Romero’s entourage were keeping them informed because they hoped the Catalan club would make a move, although their priority was Rodri.
For now, the strongest information points firmly towards Madrid. Czyz says Tottenham have accepted Atlético’s offer and Romero’s contract is almost sorted. AS, meanwhile, says Alemany wants the operation completed within 48 hours.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.