Atletico Madrid pursue Spurs captain Romero as Inter weigh up move

Atletico have made headway in their pursuit of Romero, a long-standing target. Sky Sports understands numbers have been exchanged, though Spurs are still awaiting a formal bid.

Inter remain in the frame but face a different challenge. According to Sky in Italy, the financial demands—both wage and transfer fee—have complicated their route to the deal. The Italians must offload defenders before progressing.

Atletico's position has strengthened after moving Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa and Nahuel Molina to Roma, freeing up resources. Romero signed a fresh contract at Spurs last summer running to 2029 and was made captain by previous manager Thomas Frank.

However, De Zerbi's arrival has shifted the landscape. Tottenham signed Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, creating a crowded centre-back department. The new head coach signalled publicly on 30 July he would not block departures if players wished to leave, saying he respects player wishes provided they help the team first.

De Zerbi praised Romero's professionalism but made clear his willingness to allow the Argentine to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The defender's departure now appears a matter of when, not if.