According to AS, Atletico Madrid wants to overtake Internazionale in the race to sign a center-back, but both teams must sell players first.

Atletico Madrid has never abandoned their pursuit of Cristian Romero. The Argentine center-back was Atletico Madrid's top defensive target in summer 2025 and has reappeared on their transfer list in 2026.

However, the circumstances have changed dramatically since then. Tottenham Hotspur firmly refused to sell him in 2025, and their €60 million valuation proved too high. The club ultimately renewed his contract and offered him improved terms. Injuries, Tottenham's near-relegation battle at one point last season, and Romero's subsequent dissatisfaction have shifted the dynamic. Last year, the Argentine defender publicly expressed his desire to play in Spain.

Tottenham invested €60 million in defense this summer by signing former Brighton center-back Van Hecke, adjusting their transfer strategy accordingly. Internazionale also prioritizes Romero, having come close to finalizing a deal worth €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons after gaining an early negotiating advantage.

However, Internazionale faces the same constraint as Atletico Madrid: they must first offload Pavard, while Atletico adheres to an "out before in" policy. On Atletico's side, Molina is close to joining Roma, Almada is choosing between Flamengo and River Plate, and Ruggeri has received an offer from Aston Villa. If these three departures materialize, they will generate funds and enable Atletico Madrid to strengthen their central defense.

Internazionale believes they hold the advantage due to their advanced negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur. Atletico Madrid aims to join the race in its final stages, leveraging Romero's stated desire to play in La Liga to make a competitive push for the defender.

Atletico Madrid exposed defensive vulnerabilities in last season's title race, conceding 61 goals in 81 games. Romero, 28, impressed at the World Cup with Argentina and helped the team reach the final, enhancing his appeal. Simeone has experimented with both four-back and five-back systems, with Atletico's shape adapting to match circumstances.

During matches, Simeone frequently adjusts formations in real time. To accommodate these changes, Atletico Madrid also employs players like Pubill and Hancko who can operate as both center-backs and full-backs, enabling a three-center-back system with a commanding center-back. Romero fits this profile perfectly, though injuries remain a persistent concern. Llorente can also fulfill the center-back and full-back hybrid role. With Grimaldo added to the system, it gains further depth; he excels as a wing-back, while Giuliano can provide support on the right flank.

Romero and Julián Álvarez share a strong personal relationship. Barcelona continues seeking an opportunity to bring Álvarez into their plans, but Atletico Madrid's position is resolute: either trigger the €500 million release clause, or negotiations are off the table. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid actively pursues a elite center-back, with Giménez potentially departing this summer. Romero has been, and remains, their top defensive target.

Internazionale believes they are within reach, but Atletico Madrid aims to catch up at the final moment, intercept the Italian club's target, and fulfill Simeone's primary objective of strengthening the defense. This move would also provide an incentive to convince Álvarez to achieve his dream of winning titles in the red and white jersey.

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