Cristian Romero is back at the centre of a transfer race that now looks like a timing contest. Atletico Madrid are preparing a bid after sales, while Inter already have a €40 million package in place with Tottenham. Romero is also viewed as receptive to Diego Simeone's project in La Liga, which gives Atletico a real route into the deal.

Atletico's sales-linked bid

Fabrizio Romano said Atletico are preparing a bid for Romero to be submitted after next sales, with Nahuel Molina and possibly Matteo Ruggeri named as the players who could make room. He also said the bid would be in line with Inter's previous proposal.

Romano's wording matters because it sets the shape of the race very clearly: Inter have already done the groundwork, while Atletico still need to unlock their move. That leaves the Spanish club chasing the market rather than setting it.

Romero's current level still explains why both clubs are circling. He has a 7.16 rating across 7 appearances in 2026, with 627 minutes to his name, and Tottenham's results with him available have included two wins in the last three.

Tottenham's asking price has come down

Tottenham's valuation is no longer as rigid as it was earlier in the summer. Goal reported that Spurs are now open to bids starting around the €40 million mark after previously holding out for more than €55 million, while other reports have placed Atletico's opening offer at €30 million or roughly €40 million. The exact opening figure is still disputed, but the direction is clear enough: the asking price has moved into a range rival clubs can attack.

That does not mean Tottenham are ready to let him go cheaply. Their contract extension runs until 2029, and they still have leverage if both suitors keep waiting for the other side to move first.

The smaller number is the important one here. Inter already have a €40 million package on the table, and Atletico's next step depends on sales that have not happened yet. If those exits are delayed, Inter hold the advantage.

Atletico's case is stronger because the fit is obvious and the player is open to La Liga. But in a race like this, the club that can actually put money on the table first tends to win, and right now Inter look better placed to do that.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →