Atletico Madrid endured a frustrating 2025-26 campaign under Diego Simeone. They finished fourth in La Liga with 69 points. However, their title challenge faded during the second half of the season.
Los Colchoneros also came close to winning two major trophies. Arsenal ended their Champions League run in the semi-finals. Real Sociedad then beat them on penalties in the Copa del Rey final.
Atletico have responded with major changes this summer. Antoine Griezmann joined Orlando City after leaving on a free transfer. The club then strengthened several key areas of Simeone’s squad.
Lee Kang-in and Morten Hjulmand arrived in separate €40 million deals. Atletico also signed Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million. Meanwhile, Thiago Almada completed a move to River Plate.
Pre-season has given Simeone time to integrate those additions. Atletico opened their schedule with a 4-1 victory over Getafe. They then suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.
The Spanish club will next face Manchester City before completing their summer preparations. However, Atletico are still working to strengthen their defence.
According to TEAMtalk, Atletico Madrid have agreed personal terms with Cristian Romero on a four-year contract. The report states that Atletico have now overtaken Inter Milan in the race.
Inter previously agreed a package worth up to £38 million with Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Italian club failed to reach an agreement with Romero.
Atletico have succeeded where Inter fell short. Romero has accepted terms similar to his current Tottenham salary. The Argentina international also wants to work under Simeone.
Romero endured a difficult domestic campaign with Tottenham last season. He served four suspensions and received two red cards in 23 Premier League appearances.
However, he restored his reputation during Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. The report adds that talks between Atletico and Tottenham are progressing well.
Spurs still want a package matching Inter’s previous proposal. Atletico are also creating financial space for the deal.
Matteo Ruggeri is closing in on a £22 million move to Aston Villa. Roma are also advancing talks for Nahuel Molina.
Those departures could allow Atletico to complete Romero’s signing. Simeone now hopes the World Cup finalist will become his next major summer addition.
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