Cristian Romero transfer: Atletico Madrid in pole position as Arsenal make Tottenham enquiry

In partnership with

caughtoffside

·8 August 2026

Cristian Romero transfer: Atletico Madrid in pole position as Arsenal make Tottenham enquiry

Cristian Romero is all set to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and he has been linked with a surprise move to Arsenal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made enquiries for the 28-year-old defender, but Tottenham do not want to sell the player to a direct rival.

OneFootball Videos

Atletico Madrid are interested in the player as well, and the Spanish club is currently negotiating the transfer. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Italian champions Inter Milan are working on signing Romero as well. However, they cannot hope to sign him before selling Benjamin Pavard.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal spoke to the agents of Cuti Romero. Arsenal asked for information on Cuti Romero. “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. “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. “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.”

It seems that Atletico Madrid is currently in pole position to sign the player. Romero will want to play for a big club where he can fight for major trophies. At Tottenham, he has been fighting for survival in the last two seasons. He helped them win the UEFA Europa League, but he will look to fight for League titles and do well in the Champions League now. It remains to be seen where he ends up.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to add more depth to the defensive unit, and it remains to be seen whether they can bring in the necessary additions.