Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is poised to depart the club this summer, with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan competing for his signature in a deal valued at approximately £40 million.

Inter Milan reportedly has a broad agreement with Tottenham on the transfer fee, which includes potential add-ons. However, Atletico Madrid remains confident that Romero prefers a move to Spain and is prepared to challenge Inter’s offer. The 28-year-old Argentine has shown openness to joining Serie A but currently earns more than £150,000 per week at Tottenham, making his salary demands a significant consideration for Inter.

Romero has long been aware of Atletico Madrid’s interest and has previously expressed a preference for relocating to Spain, provided Tottenham consents to his exit. If Atletico matches Inter’s financial terms, sources indicate Romero would prioritize joining Atletico, where he would have the opportunity to play under fellow Argentine Diego Simeone, the club’s manager.

Last year, Atletico withdrew their pursuit of Romero after Tottenham set a high asking price, in line with those of the world’s most expensive defenders. Instead, Romero extended his contract with Tottenham for four years and was appointed club captain by then-head coach Thomas Frank. However, the past season proved challenging for Romero, who missed seven games due to suspension and publicly criticized the club’s board. These developments have led all parties to conclude that a transfer this summer offers the best path forward.

As negotiations continue, both Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan remain engaged in securing the services of the experienced defender, with the final decision expected to hinge on financial terms and Romero’s personal preference.