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By ABDI RASHID Published: 18: 05 AEST, 20 April 2025 | Updated: 18: 05 AEST, 20 April 2025 8 View comments Atletico Madrid are keen to secure a deal for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero before the Club World Cup, according to a report. Romero has been a key cog in the Spurs side since joining on an initial loan from Atalanta in the 2021-22 season. The 26-year-old was critical of the club's hierarchy and recruitment policy in December, highlighting a lack of depth to their squad in comparison to the Premier League's elite, following a glut of injuries. Having missed a number of games this season through injury and suspension himself, he has also praised his national side's medical staff in comments that have been construed as a subtle dig towards his rehab treatment at Spurs. Last month, Mail Sport reported Atletico Madrid are monitoring developments with Romero ahead of a potential summer move. The Argentina international is also understood to be interested in exploring a move away as he looks to play Champions League football. Atletico Madrid are keen to secure a deal for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero The Argentina international is also understood to be interested in exploring a move away The La Liga side want to conclude a £43million deal for Romero before the Club World Cup Atletico have now made Romero a prime defensive target and are hopeful of signing him for £43million, according to the Mirror. Atletico want to sign two defender including Romero, with Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera also on the shortlist. The contracts of Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel and Reinildo Mandava are up at the end of June and their participations in the Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13, are in doubt. A World Cup winner with Argentina, Romero is playing under his fifth manager at Spurs, including interims, since signing for £43million from Atalanta in 2021. In December, Romero warned Daniel Levy that the club are slipping behind their Premier League rivals due to a lack of investment. Asked if Tottenham were suffering over limited spending and a lack of depth, the centre back told Telemundo Deportes: 'The truth is, I would say no comment, but. .. 'Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn't do well, strengthens again, and now they're seeing results. Those are the things to imitate. 'You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they realise it. 'The last few years, it's always the same: first, the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it's always the same people responsible. 'Hopefully, they realise who the true responsible ones are, and we move forward because it's a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year. ' Tottenham are on route to their worst Premier League campaign as they sit 15th - but remain in the hunt to end their long trophy drought having reached the Europa League semi-finals with victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.
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