Chelsea look set to rival Liverpool for the signing of Saul Niguez
Chelsea and Liverpool have both made contact with Saul Niguez's agent over the possibility
of signing the Spaniard this summer, amid talks of the midfielder angling for a move
away from the Spanish capital.
Niguez is set on leaving the Spanish champions this window, with his lack of playing time
last season the main reason why the midfielder is seeking an exit from the Wanda Metropolitano.
The 26-year-old featured in 41 games for the Madrid club in all competitions last term,
with a sizeable proportion of those appearances coming as a substitute.
A desire to leave was born out of frustration in a game against Getafe when Niguez was substituted
at half-time of the 0-0 draw in March.
There have been other instances last season too which have made an exit look inevitable
this summer for Niguez.
Marca (via Sport Witness) has stated that both Chelsea and Liverpool have been in contact
with Saul’s agents over a potential summer move.
Thomas Tuchel is said to be behind the interest from the Champions League winners, and there’s
not a great deal more on Liverpool’s interest, although the Reds were also linked by AS on
Monday.
The Spanish outlet has mentioned English claims of a €50million (£43m) offer from Liverpool,
and although they make it clear this hasn’t arrived at Atletico and they’d be waiting
for it, they state such a figure could be enough.
A reasonable figure then, which has attracted Chelsea director Marina Granvoskaia into a
transfer race with the Reds from Merseyside.
Both clubs have also received recent encouragement with the 26-year-old's agent admitting that
his client's future is still uncertain after talks with Barcelona collapsed for the Spaniard.
The Catalan giants proposed a part-exchange deal involving Niguez and former Atletico
Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann returning to the club where he made his name, but the
deal didn't come to fruition due to financial issues.
Talking in an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Saul's agent Jonathan Barnett said: “Nothing
has been decided, Saúl has as many options to stay as to leave.”
"Saúl will do with his future what is best for Saúl."
The summer window is officially open and now the Blues can look to build on European glory
and bolster the squad to push for Premier League supremacy.
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In spite of Barnett's comments, Saul certainly looks likely to leave Atletico Madrid after
falling down the pecking order in Diego Simeone's eyes, especially after the recent arrival
of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.