Cristian Romero ends Arsenal rumours as Atletico Madrid switch confirmed with Tottenham releasing statement on exit

TOTTENHAM have confirmed captain Cristian Romero’s move to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine, 28, is joining the Spanish giants for £34.2million, with a 15 per cent sell-on clause included in the deal. Cristian Romero has signed for Atletico Madrid Credit: Atletico Madrid The defender had been linked with a controversial move to Arsenal Credit: Getty Romero has agreed a five-year deal with Atletico, whose interest in the World Cup winner has been long-standing. Spurs wished their skipper – known as “Cuti” – “all the best for the future” in a statement announcing his exit. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! He leaves North London after a mixed five seasons with the club, following an initial loan spell from Atalanta which was turned permanent in 2022. Romero’s highlight was without doubt his influential role in helping Spurs end their 17-year trophy drought with the Europa League triumph in 2025. But a poor disciplinary record and a perception that he prioritised his country over his club blotted his Spurs copybook. Romero saw red six times and collected 44 yellow cards in his 156 appearances at the club. His legacy at the club could have been in even more tatters had Arsenal followed up on reported interest. The Gunners were linked with the defender following the injury to William Saliba at the World Cup. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Sol Campbell was the last player to make the move from Spurs to Tottenham as he crossed North London in 2001. Spurs’ full statement read: “We have reached agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Cristian Romero. “Signed from Atalanta in 2021, ‘Cuti’ was a key player in our Uefa Europa League triumph of 2024/25 and was named captain for the 2025/26 campaign. “His 32 appearances in all competitions last season took his tally to 156 in our colours. Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! “A Copa America winner just before his arrival, Cuti became only the second Spurs player to win the World Cup when Argentina beat France in Qatar in 2022. “He won the Copa America again in 2024 and reached a second World Cup Final this summer. “Born in Cordoba, Cristian began his career at Belgrano and had spells at Genoa and Juventus before signing for Atalanta. “We wish Cuti all the best for the future.” Luka Vuskovic was sold for £50m Credit: Getty Manor Solomon left Spurs for West Ham Credit: AFP Atletico announced the defender’s arrival with a Formula 1 inspired video on social media. Romero is the latest player to be sold by Spurs in a hectic summer of transfers for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, joining the likes of Luka Vuskovic, Will Lankshear and Manor Solomon. Vuskovic made a £50m switch to Brighton despite never playing for Spurs while Lankshear will hope to become a star at Middlesbrough in the Championship. Solomon crossed over to East London as he joined West Ham on a three-year deal. The Israeli will be aiming to help the club fire themselves back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Djed Spence, whom Romero faced in the World Cup semi-final when Argentina beat England, is also leaving to join Inter Milan. Comment now