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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Atletico prioritise Romero as defensive leader</li><li>Tottenham push new deal, captaincy offer</li><li>Simeone plotting major summer squad revamp</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristian Romero remains Atletico Madrid priority as Argentine defender prepares to snub Tottenham contract offer

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Tottenham

<p>Romero has emerged as Atletico Madrid’s top defensive priority this summer, with the Argentine defender reportedly prepared to reject <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/atletico-madrid-new-cristian-romero-move-expected-to-reject-tottenham-contract/blt320871ff97d74336" target="_blank">a lucrative contract extension from Tottenham</a>. Despite Spurs' offer to make Romero their highest-paid player and the promise of a key role, the 27-year-old is pushing to join Diego Simeone’s project at the Wanda Metropolitano. According to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/atletico-de-madrid/el-atletico-se-olvida-del-plan-b-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS,</em></a> Atletico have submitted a bid worth €55 million (£47m/$61m) plus €15m (£12m/$17m) in add-ons, but Tottenham remain firm in their €70m (£60m/$81m) valuation.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Rojiblancos are undergoing a major rebuild following their early exit from the Club World Cup and a squad reliant on players over the age of 30. Meanwhile, Simeone is determined to rejuvenate the team with high-calibre, battle-ready talent, not backups or stopgap solutions, and Romero is viewed as a perfect fit for his aggressive and intense system. The club have already signed creative midfielder Alex Baena and want Romero to be the defensive leader of a new cycle aimed at overtaking Barcelona and Real Madrid in the league.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City last year, has openly endorsed the move, expressing hope that Romero will follow him to the Spanish capital. He said recently: “I hope it happens. He's a great player, one of the best centre-backs in the world, for me. A national teammate and a great person. This great addition would help the team a lot.” </p>

WHAT JULIAN ALVAREZ SAID

<p>Negotiations between Atletico and Tottenham are expected to continue in the coming days, as the Spanish side attempt to structure a deal closer to Spurs’ demands through performance-related add-ons. If successful, Romero would become the most expensive defender in Atletico’s history. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ATLETICO MADRID?

Cristian Romero remains Atletico Madrid priority as Argentine defender prepares to snub Tottenham contract offer | Goal.com

Cristian Romero considering to reject Tottenham’s new deal to join Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone pushing to land Argentine defender this summer.

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