Chelsea receive transfer blow that could prevent Atletico Madrid Saul Niguez deal

Saul Niguez: All you need to know about Spanish midfielder

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Chelsea have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Saul Niguez, as Atletico Madrid’s reported replacement for the outgoing Spaniard now appears to be headed to Sporting Lisbon. Pablo Sarabia had supposedly been in talks with Atletico over a move from PSG, but his next move leaves Chelsea’s deadline day hanging in the balance.

Boss Thomas Tuchel is supposedly keen on midfield reinforcements after N’Golo Kante sustained his second ankle injury in a month against Liverpool.

Declan Rice was understandably deemed too expensive at £100million, while Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni was considered, but is fairly inexperienced at the top level.

Atletico’s Saul Niguez was subsequently touted as the perfect candidate, although the Spanish side’s green light hinges on a replacement being found.

Early on deadline day, it was reported by GFFN that PSG were in talks with Atleti regarding a season-long loan for Sarabia.

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A stumbling block quickly emerged, however, when PSG insisted on an obligation to buy, whereas Atletico were insistent on it remaining an option.

Low and behold, Marca now claim that Sarabia is just ‘one step away’ from completing a move to Sporting Lisbon, which would put Chelsea’s move for Saul in jeopardy.

Last season’s Liga NOS champions would be a perfect destination for Sarabia, with the potential for limitless game time and Champions League football as he attempts to earn a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad.

Although his late U-turn does not make Chelsea’s pursuit of Saul any easier, the Blues should not have too many other distractions as the clock ticks towards 11pm.

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With a deal for centre-back Jules Kounde now unlikely, unless transfer chief Marina Granovskaia is prepared to stump up an extortionate £68million, she can simply prepare to pounce should Saul become available.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea’s preference would be a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

Unless Atletico can find a replacement before the deadline, however, the Blues could find themselves powerless in an unfortunate situation.

Apart from the sensational signing of Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea have not had a tremendous amount of luck this summer, with many of their ambitious targets falling by the wayside.

Luckily for Tuchel and co., his squad depth is by no means at crisis level, so any late swoop for a centre-back or midfielder is unlikely to be the difference between winning a title and not.

Frustratingly, the club find themselves in a situation where the ball is most certainly not in their court.

If Atletico have a list of alternatives ready and waiting, then Chelsea could soon be back in action. Until then, however, they must wait patiently and prepare to strike.

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