Inter’s proposed move for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is at risk of being hijacked by Atletico Madrid, who are preparing a rival bid for the Argentina international.
Inter have reportedly agreed a deal worth about €40m with Tottenham and reached an agreement with Romero over personal terms worth approximately €5.5m per year. However, the Serie A champions cannot complete the transfer until they sell Benjamin Pavard, a move that would create both room in the squad and funds for the deal.
That delay has given Atletico an opportunity to enter the race. Diego Simeone’s side are preparing an initial budget of more than €30m after raising money through the departures of Nahuel Molina to Roma and Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa.
According to Marca, Atletico could also have an important advantage in negotiations with the player. Romero is not opposed to moving to Milan, but the report says he would prefer a switch to Atletico and the chance to work under Simeone.
Tottenham had already approved Inter’s proposal of €35m plus a further €5m in bonuses. The Premier League club are therefore unlikely to accept a lower offer from Atletico than the package they have agreed with Inter.
That position gives Inter some protection, but their move remains under pressure. The transfer is currently dependent on Pavard’s departure, while Romero’s reported preference for Atletico means Inter’s hopes of signing the World Cup winner are less certain than they appeared to be.
Inter are still looking to strengthen their defence despite the arrival of John Stones. The club have advanced their pursuit of Romero as they try to address an area that remains a priority.
For manager Cristian Chivu, finding a longer-term solution at right-back has become increasingly urgent. He used Andy Diouf in that position during the Perth derby while continuing to search for a successor to Denzel Dumfries.
The situation leaves Inter facing a race against time. Their agreement with Tottenham and the personal terms reached with Romero have put them in a strong position, but the need to sell Pavard has delayed the final stages of the transfer. Atletico are now ready to use that delay to make their own approach, supported by funds from their recent sales and the player’s reported preference for a move to Spain.
Tottenham’s existing agreement with Inter means Atletico may have to match or exceed the €40m package already under discussion. Unless Inter can complete Pavard’s exit and move quickly, however, the Spanish club could yet turn Romero’s next move in their favour.
