Chelsea are still considering a summer swoop for Saul Niguez, with the midfielder facing an uncertain future at Atletico Madrid.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently offered an update on Chelsea’s transfer policy in the midfield department. The Blues are contemplating buying a new midfielder to boost their ranks despite two of their stars in N’Golo Kante and Jorginho being nominated for the UEFA Best Player’s list.
One of Chelsea’s primary options is Saul Niguez. The Atletico Madrid star is facing an uncertain future at the club, with Los Rojiblancos soon expected to make a decision over his status at the club. They have already roped in Argentina’s Copa America star Rodrigo De Paul so it won’t be surprising to see the Spanish champions cashing in on the Spaniard in the summer.
Saul is not a fresh face in the English market. Earlier this summer, he was one of the main targets for multiple clubs including Liverpool. Unfortunately, talks have since stalled with the majority of English clubs opting for alternatives in the market.
Liverpool, for one, have been linked with a move for Renato Sanches, whereas Chelsea had recently launched an enquiry for Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund youngster, though, is considered untouchable, which is why Chelsea have once again set its sights on Saul this summer.
With a total of 338 appearances for Atletico Madrid, the 26-year-old is certainly one of the most well-established midfielders available in the market this summer. However, his apparent decline over the past couple of years, mainly due to injuries have forced clubs to reconsider.
The 2020/21 campaign, in particular, saw Saul fall behind Marcos Llorente in the pecking order, with the Spanish midfielder losing his importance in the first team. It could be a cause for concern for Chelsea, knowing they cannot afford to make any wrong moves in the market, especially in the current financial climate.
Saul may cost a fortune as well, with previous reports suggesting a fee of around €50 million. Barcelona have been most recently linked with a move for the talented Spaniard this summer, hoping to make the best out of financial leeway offered to them after failing to extend the contract of Lionel Messi.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are still in the market for another transfer gem in Laliga, in the form of Jules Kounde. They have reportedly considering the final offer for the Sevilla centre-back, who is keen on moving to Stamford Bridge. As for the pursuit of Saul, it remains to be seen if the 26-year-old can be signed before the summer transfer window slams shut.
