Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia targets Atletico Madrid star as new N’Golo Kante partner

The rise and rise again of Chelsea's Mason Mount

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Chelsea are currently looking into the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to reports in Spain. The industrious midfielder, who signed a staggering nine-year contract is 2017, was part of Diego Simeone’s title-winning side this season at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Yet while Atleti had their best season since 2014, Saul was not at the level he has been in previous year.

He made 33 appearances in La Liga but managed just two goals and 1 assist.

Saul’s value to Simeone has now decreased and the 26-year-old was overshadowed by the likes of Marcos Llorente – who scored 12 and assisted 11 – this season.

For that reason, Atleti are now pondering a sale and the Spanish champions are keen to receive a respectable fee for the Spanish international, who missed out on Luis Enrique’s Euro squad.

JUST IN: Chelsea ‘turned down’ Mason Mount transfer offers before Champions League heroics

According to Sky Italia journalist Matteo Moretto, Chelsea are amongst the clubs in contention.

Blues director Marina Granovskaia is keen to add another midfielder to Thomas Tuchel’s squad to partner N’Golo Kante.

While Jorginho impressed in the second half of the season, the Italian did not have much competition due to Mateo Kovacic’s injury struggles.

Chelsea were exploring the possibility of signing Saul back in December 2019 but never pursued the deal.

DON’T MISS
Chelsea ‘turned down’ Mason Mount transfer offers before Champions League heroics
Tottenham recruitment team devise two-man Harry Kane replacement shortlist
Antonio Conte has already given view on Tottenham and Harry Kane ahead of appointment

Manchester United have regularly been linked with Saul in the past few years but his long-term deal with Atletico has made any difficult.

Not only that but he has been deemed an integral member of their squad until his unexpected dip in form this season.

Atletico are already said to be targeting his replacement in the form of Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul.

The Argentine, who was targeted by Leeds last summer, has unfinished business in La Liga following a mixed spell with Valencia between 2014 and 2016.

While Chelsea want to add a midfielder to their squad, it’s not believed to be high on their list of priorities.

A striker is, without doubt, their primary target as they look to add a prolific goalscorer to their ever-impressive side.

Romelu Lukaku has already ruled out leaving Inter Milan leaving Tuchel and Granovskaia to explore other avenues.

Furthermore, a new centre-back is also on the agenda with Fikayo Tomori set to depart for AC Milan on a permanent transfer.

Source: Read Full Article