Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Saul Niguez is reportedly courting interest from Premier League giants Arsenal.
According to a report in Spanish publication AS, Arsenal are just one of the teams that have enquired about the 23-year-old’s ability in the summer and the report goes onto state that this isn’t the first time that the Gunners have tried to lure Saul away from the Spanish capital.
The report further adds that clubs from the Premier League, Italy and even Spain have all shown interest in the Spanish international and most recently it was reported that domestic rivals Barcelona intend on making an offer for him in the summer transfer window.
Saul, who is a product of Atletico Madrid’s youth system, has been at the club since 2008. After making his debut for Los Rojiblancos in 2012, he has gone onto amass 28 goals, 15 assists and 3 trophies in 194 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Over the course of the past few seasons he has gone onto establish himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe, and it comes as no surprise that Arsenal are interested in acquiring his services, especially given the current state of their midfield.
Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere both have contracts that run until the end of the season and the Gunners are yet to reach an agreement with either of them. Cazorla, who turns 34 this year and hasn’t played a single game this season, may not be given a new contract by Arsenal due to his injury troubles.
Aaron Ramsey has just over a season left on his current contract and the 26-year-old is no closer to agreeing to new terms with the Gunners, while also courting interest from several clubs. That leaves Arsene Wenger with Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka so needless to say, reinforcements are needed in the Arsenal midfield.
Having bolstered their attack in the summer, Arsenal could certainly do with a player like Saul in midfield. Strong, fast, very good with the ball at his feet and a tireless runner with an eye for goal, Saul would take to the perils of the Premier League with ease.
However, with a reported release clause of €150 million and a contract that expires only in 2026, Arsenal have their work cut out for them. The only way they can prise the midfielder away from the Wanda Metropolitano is if they meet his release clause and that isn’t something the Gunners are likely to do. Some transfer records may be broken yet again this summer, but this might not be one of them.
