Chelsea are reportedly working on a deal to sign Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid, with the option to buy.
As per The Athletic, Chelsea are “actively working to sign” Saul Niguez as they could do with more depth in the central midfield department.
Although there were reports earlier in the summer that Saul might struggle for playing time at Atletico Madrid this season, he has featured in all three of their La Liga games so far, and has started in two of them.
Chelsea broke the bank to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, so they are trying to broker a loan deal with Atletico and eventually pay their high asking price for Saul next summer.
Saul Niguez to Chelsea – How will he fit in?
Chelsea have a pretty balanced squad to challenge for the title under Thomas Tuchel this season, and Saul’s addition will only strengthen their team.
With the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Mateo Kovacic available, Saul’s addition will perhaps make Chelsea’s midfield the strongest in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has been a consistent performer for Atletico Madrid, and played an important role in their title triumph last season.
Saul’s ability to play in a more defensive role or further up the pitch will be key for Chelsea as they look to challenge for multiple trophies this season.
The 26-year old likes to put a foot in and reads the game well, which makes him one of the most competent ball-winning midfielders in Europe. With him and Kante working in tandem, Chelsea will have a near-impenetrable midfield.
🚨 EXCL: Chelsea actively working on deal to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez. Negotiations are for a loan with option to buy. 26yo Spain international contracted at #Atleti until 2026 but optimism all round that he now joins #CFC @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/GXDcW4c5xD
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 31, 2021
Saul also likes making the forward forays every now and then and has averaged at least a shot per game in each of the last six seasons for Atletico Madrid.
It must also be mentioned that Kante has missed several games in the last few seasons because of injuries, and Saul’s presence would add the much-needed depth and cover in that position.
At just 26, Saul would be a long-term addition, and is a player who is entering the peaks years of his career. If Chelsea can get this deal over the line, it would be a pretty shrewd acquisition on deadline day.
Stats via Whoscored