Cristian Romero has now decided who he’s joining out of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid
Arsenal fans never thought we’d be talking about Cristian Romero this summer but after recent reported interest, here we are.
Romero is believed to be on his way out of Tottenham. New manager Roberto De Zerbi has signed new defenders and is willing to let the Argentinian go.
Arsenal’s interest in Romero is apparently concrete, albeit Tottenham are believed to have no interest in selling to the Gunners.
Now, though, it looks like Romero himself has decided who he is joining.
Cristian Romero decides to join Atletico Madrid over Arsenal
It was always going to be a tough ask to get a deal done for Romero and it now appears it’s dead in the water.
Reports are emerging claiming that Romero has instead decided to join Atletico Madrid. Romero will link up with fellow Argentinian, Diego Simeone, with Tottenham expected to pick up a decent fee north of £30m for their man.
💣🚨BREAKING @fczyz: Cristian Romero has DECIDED to join Atlético Madrid. 🇦🇷✅🔴⚪️
— David Schill (@DTalkingArsenal) August 10, 2026
Diego Simeone’s persistence has been key to the decision.
The parties are now negotiating the final details, with the aim of Romero arriving in Madrid between Wednesday and Thursday.⏳#AFC pic.twitter.com/YExQw5Vt2U
Whether or not Arsenal now go for another defender, remains to be seen.
Ezri Konsa remains on Arsenal’s radar but with Aston Villa wanting £60m, that deal has not progressed.
Cristian Romero was never right for Arsenal
There will be some out there who argue that signing a World Cup winner is a no brainer.
However, when you take everything into account, Romero was never right for Arsenal.
Aside from the obvious Tottenham link, his disciplinary record is no good for a team challenging for honours. Furthermore, he isn’t better than the two starting centre-halves Arsenal already have.
Ultimately, Romero is better off moving abroad. Had he come to Arsenal, it would have given him and the club unwanted distractions and frankly, the Gunners have enough on as it is.
In a way, it’s a good thing that Romero has apparently picked Atletico.