Saul Niguez claims Kepa Arrizabalaga played key role in Chelsea transfer

New Chelsea midfield signing Saul Niguez has credited the Spanish contingent at Stamford Bridge for his move, especially Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Being a Chelsea fan would be a happy place right now after the club made some notable signings during the summer. After winning the Champions League in May, the Blues have strengthened the squad to compete in the Premier League and Europe.

The sensational signing of Romelu Lukaku has already seen the club receive praise, and now the deadline day capture of Saul Niguez is hailed as important for the season. The midfielder had a hand in Atletico Madrid’s title triumph last season, making 33 appearances in the league.

However, Saul has cut a frustrated figure at the club in the past two seasons, seeking a change this summer. While there were strong links to Barcelona earlier in the summer, Saul was happy to move to England on deadline day when the opportunity came by.

Atletico were more than happy to see him leave, which freed up wages and enabled the club to sign Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona around the same time. Chelsea needed a midfielder despite boasting the likes of Matteo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante. However, the Frenchman’s injury problems lately might have prompted Thomas Tuchel to add cover.

Saul spoke on his Twitch channel, and The Mirror posted some comments from the new Chelsea signing. The midfielder hailed the club’s Spanish contingent and credited goalkeeper Kepa Aarrizabalaga to help him move to the London based club.

Saul said, “I’ll be flying to London tomorrow; I’m coming to the champions of Europe. “I’ll fight for my place in the starting 11; it’s important that [Kepa] is there. “Kepa has been my friend for a long time. It’s important that he is there. I would have second thoughts if he wasn’t at Chelsea. [Cesar] Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso also helped me join Chelsea.”

Later, addressing directly to Chelsea fans, Saul said, “I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea. Blues fans, I am one of you now, and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!”

While the Premier League side signed a very good midfielder approaching his prime years, the loss in form over the last season could be a cause of concern. However, Thomas Tuchel has done very well to revive the fortunes of some struggling Chelsea stars like Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger and may well work his magic with Saul as well.