Atletico Madrid enjoyed another strong campaign under Diego Simeone last season. They finished fourth in La Liga with 69 points and secured Champions League football once again.
Los Colchoneros also reached the Champions League semi-finals before Arsenal ended their European run with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The club have remained busy during the summer transfer window as they reshape the squad for another push on multiple fronts.
Lee Kang-in arrived from Paris Saint-Germain to replace Antoine Griezmann following his move to Orlando City.
Atletico also strengthened their defence and midfield by signing Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen and Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP.
At the same time, they have resisted interest in Julian Alvarez while continuing to explore further additions. Preparations for the new season have also gathered momentum.
Defence has now become Atletico’s next priority. The club are expected to create room for another signing by sanctioning the departures of Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina.
According to MARCA, Atletico Madrid are now preparing an opening bid of around €30 million for Cristian Romero as they look to finally land Simeone’s long-term defensive target.
The report states that Tottenham Hotspur have already agreed to let the Argentina international leave this summer.
It adds that Romero has made Atletico his preferred destination despite receiving interest from Inter Milan. Inter have already proposed a package worth €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
However, Romero wants to play under Simeone and included a special clause in his Tottenham contract after extending his deal until 2029.
That clause allows him to consider offers from Spain’s three biggest clubs. Tottenham value the 28-year-old at around €40 million.
Atletico believe a deal is now achievable and are preparing to step up negotiations as they look to complete one of Simeone’s biggest transfer priorities.
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