Chelsea joined by Liverpool, Man United in Saul Niguez chase
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daily Star), three of the biggest clubs in England, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are set to battle it out for the signing of Atletico Madrid’s midfield star Saul Niguez.
Saul, a product of the Atletico Madrid youth academy, has spent all his career with Los Rojiblancos, barring a season-long loan spell at Rayo Vallecano during 2013/14. A regular in the middle of the park ever since, the 26-year-old has played a key role in the success that the Colchoneros have achieved under Diego Simeone in recent years.
This past season, though, Saul found his role reduced, even as Atletico went on to lift the La Liga title. And this has led to the 26-year-old Spanish international angling for an exit from the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, alerting clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Liverpool are in the market for a long-term replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum who has left the club and see Saul as the ideal option. Manchester United, are also looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park, while Chelsea, too, could do with replenishing their roster despite having plenty of quality already in the centre. (h/t Daily Star)
Indeed, the trio of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic is as solid and dependable as they come. But the loan departure of Billy Gilmour has opened up a spot. And with Kante not getting any younger, bringing in another quality operator to support the midfield wouldn’t be the worst idea.
Saul, to that end, can be a fine signing. At 26, the midfielder still has his best years in front of him, while at the same time being vastly experienced as well. The report goes on to add that Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of the Spanish international as well.
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Saul has a release clause worth £128m in his contract with Atletico Madrid. However, he is expected to be available for much less this summer, with the La Liga champions not expecting bids of more than £34m. It now remains to be seen if Chelsea act on their interest and beat their rivals for the signing of the Spanish international.