According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine centre-back will not continue at Tottenham, and his departure reopens a scenario that was an absolute priority for Diego Simeone for much of the past year.
Atletico Madrid made Romero their top defensive target last year, with Simeone viewing him as the ideal leader for a backline in need of hierarchy and character. That operation proved impossible at the time, with Tottenham holding firm around a €70million valuation - a figure that ultimately cooled the negotiations.
What never changed was the player's own willingness to move. Romero has hinted on several occasions in recent months at his desire to experience football in Spain, with the prospect of playing under Simeone always appealing to him - an interest that has been mutual.
Now, the picture looks different. Romero's decision to leave Tottenham puts his name back on the market and on the radar of several of Europe's biggest clubs, Atletico among them, with Diego Simeone's side continuing to monitor any opportunity to strengthen the heart of their defence.
Romero remains one of the most complete centre-backs on the continent - an aggressive defender, dominant in the air, with a personality that would fit perfectly at the Metropolitano.
His case is further strengthened by his recent form for Argentina, with Romero once again one of the most important pieces in Lionel Scaloni's side at the World Cup, operating as a leader of a defence that competed at the highest level throughout the tournament. At 28, the Cordoba-born defender already has an extensive international career behind him and has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in world football.
For now, there is no active negotiation or formal approach from Atletico. But what seemed impossible just a few months ago is, once again, on the table as a genuine option.