Atletico Madrid have intensified their interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s standout defender Cristian Romero as they aim to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the upcoming season. With manager Diego Simeone reportedly eager to strengthen his backline, the Argentine tactician sees his compatriot Romero as an ideal fit for the physical, disciplined style that has long defined his Atletico side.
Romero, 26, has established himself as one of Tottenham’s most consistent and aggressive defenders since joining from Atalanta in 2021. His performances have drawn attention not just for his robust tackling and aerial ability, but also for his leadership qualities and fearsome presence at the heart of Spurs’ defence. As a World Cup winner with Argentina, Romero brings both pedigree and tenacity—qualities that align closely with Simeone’s footballing philosophy.
Reports from Spanish outlet Marca (via Sport Witness) suggest that talks between Atletico and Tottenham have already begun behind closed doors. However, early indications are that the two clubs remain far apart when it comes to a valuation of the player. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy—widely regarded as one of the shrewdest and most stubborn negotiators in European football—is unlikely to entertain any offer for Romero that doesn’t meet his high demands. The north London club see Romero as a cornerstone of their current squad and one of their most valuable assets.
In an attempt to bridge the gap in valuation, Atletico Madrid are believed to be exploring the possibility of including a player in the deal to sweeten the negotiations. One name that has emerged is winger Rodrigo Riquelme, a 25-year-old Spanish international who has struggled for regular minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano this season.
Riquelme, a versatile and technically gifted wide attacker, enjoyed a brief loan spell at Bournemouth in the Premier League, giving him a taste of English football. While he hasn’t fully established himself as a starter at Atletico, he remains a highly regarded talent with creative flair and pace—qualities that could potentially appeal to Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who is looking to refresh his attacking options ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Earlier this year, Atletico turned down approaches for Riquelme from both Aston Villa and Villarreal during the January transfer window, signalling that the club valued him as a useful squad player. However, with their sights now firmly set on Romero, Atletico might be prepared to part ways with the winger if it increases their chances of striking a deal with Spurs.
From Tottenham’s perspective, the potential inclusion of Riquelme in any deal could provide them with a valuable asset for their attacking depth. The club has lacked consistency in wide areas beyond key figures like Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson. Adding a creative winger like Riquelme—who is comfortable on either flank—could offer Postecoglou an extra dimension in attack, especially as he seeks to implement a high-intensity, possession-based system that thrives on quick transitions and width.
Still, while the possibility of acquiring Riquelme might be a tempting sweetener, Spurs reportedly remain more interested in other targets—most notably Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. The England international has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time, with his energy, ball-winning ability, and forward drive seen as a perfect match for Postecoglou’s midfield engine. However, Gallagher is understood to be content with his current situation and not actively pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge, making that deal significantly more complex.
Tottenham’s defensive situation is also under scrutiny amid mounting interest in right-back Pedro Porro. The Spanish international, who has impressed with his attacking output and overlapping runs, is reportedly attracting attention from Manchester City—his former club. The Premier League champions are believed to be monitoring Porro’s situation closely as they assess their own squad for the new season, with an eye on adding depth to their full-back positions.
Losing both Romero and Porro in one window would be a major blow to Tottenham, especially considering their importance in Postecoglou’s tactical setup. Romero, in particular, plays a crucial role as the team’s defensive anchor—his ball-carrying ability and aggression often set the tone for Spurs’ high line and pressing strategy.
Atletico’s pursuit of Romero, however, is not without complications. Aside from the financial aspects and potential player swaps, Spurs would also need to secure a high-calibre replacement—a task that becomes increasingly difficult with every passing week in the transfer window. While the inclusion of Riquelme may offer some short-term value, it does little to address the defensive void Romero’s departure would create.
Ultimately, the success of any potential deal may rest on Atletico Madrid’s willingness to significantly improve their offer, either through increased cash or additional player incentives. For now, Tottenham are holding firm, but as the summer progresses and squad reshuffling intensifies across Europe, the pressure to make strategic moves will only grow.
With both clubs standing firm in their positions, the coming weeks could prove decisive. Will Atletico’s offer evolve into something more substantial—or will Tottenham succeed in keeping hold of one of their most prized assets.
