Atlético Madrid Advance Romero Move And Stand Firm Against Arsenal Over Pubill

• Atlético Madrid have agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham Hotspur for Cristian Romero, with the package worth around €40m including add-ons
• Tottenham are set to retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause as the 28-year-old defender moves towards leaving after five seasons in north London
• Atlético Madrid have rejected Arsenal’s approach for Marc Pubill and are keen to extend the 23-year-old defender’s contract

Atlético Move Closer To Landing Romero From Tottenham

Atlético Madrid have reached an agreement in principle with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Argentina defender Cristian Romero. The proposed deal is valued at around €40m including add-ons, while Spurs are expected to keep a 15% sell-on clause as part of the arrangement.

The move would bring an end to a transfer storyline that has been developing since last summer. Atlético have admired Romero for a long period, and there was an expectation that Tottenham would be prepared to sanction his exit this summer if a suitable offer was made. Romero’s contract at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium runs until 2029.

🚨🔴⚪️ Cuti Romero, flying tonight to Madrid with his agent to undergo medical at Atlético Madrid tomorrow!

Authorization to travel from #THFC arrived right now and Cuti on the way to Atleti.

€40m package add-ons included, 15% sell-on clause and Simeone waiting for him. pic.twitter.com/qY4sxfWMhV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2026

Romero is set to depart after five seasons in north London. During that period, he has made 124 appearances for Spurs, scored 12 goals and received four Premier League red cards. Last season, he was dismissed twice during Tottenham’s relegation battle before a knee injury ruled him out of the closing stage of the campaign.

Fee Structure And Interest From Elsewhere

The overall package for Romero is in the region of €40m including add-ons. The inclusion of a 15 per cent sell-on clause means Tottenham would retain a financial interest in any future transfer involving the defender.

Romero was believed to favour a move to Atlético Madrid as Inter and Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal were also among the clubs interested in him.

Arsenal Approach For Pubill Turned Down

While Atlético are progressing with a move for Romero, they have taken a firm stance on Marc Pubill. According to AS, Atlético Madrid have rejected Arsenal’s approach for the Spanish defender and want to extend his contract.

Arsenal had hoped to sign the 23-year-old after an impressive season. Mikel Arteta is seeking a right-sided defender capable of playing both centrally and out wide, but Atlético have no intention of allowing Pubill to leave.

Why Pubill Is Difficult For Arsenal To Sign

Several defenders have been linked with Arsenal this summer, and Pubill has emerged as the latest name on the north London club’s wishlist. However, a deal now appears extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Atlético are strongly protected by Pubill’s contract, which runs until 2030 and contains a €500 million release clause. That gives the Spanish club significant control over his future and would allow them to demand a substantial fee if the player decided he wanted to leave.

The details of Arsenal’s approach, and of any reported offer, remain unclear. The Gunners were reportedly prepared to negotiate a significant fee, but Atlético showed no willingness to engage. The Spanish club believe Pubill’s future is in Madrid and are interested in extending his deal, while the defender himself feels valued at the club.

Transfer Snapshot