Chelsea are considering a late loan for Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñíguez, but the European champions could face competition for the Manchester United midfielder.
Atlético are ready to let Saúl go on loan for a season before the transfer window closes next Tuesday, raising the possibility of the Spain international moving to England.
Chelsea could intensify their interest if Thomas Tuchel decides he needs more depth in central midfield. Spanish sources have not ruled out United, also interested in Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who are reportedly looking to sign the 26-year-old.
Saúl is considered one of the best midfielders in Europe and has become an important player for Atlético after rising through the ranks of his academy, helping Diego Simeone’s side win La Liga last season. However, his future at Atlético has been uncertain for some time and he could face a new challenge after being excluded from the Spanish squad for Euro 2020.
The possibility of signing Saúl on loan could make sense for Chelsea, who seek to end uncertainty over the future of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger by offering new contracts to the two center-backs. Chelsea are unlikely to spend much on a midfielder this summer, with West Ham depriving them of a transfer for Declan Rice. But Tuchel could decide he needs more competition alongside Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho after loaning Billy Gilmour to Norwich.
Kanté has had injury issues for the past two years and Tuchel, who retains an interest in Sevilla center-back Jules Koundé, admitted to abusing Jorginho at the end of last season. However, a decision by Saúl could depend on Chelsea transfer some of their midfielders before the window closes, with Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Tiémoué Bakayoko available. Milan are interested in Bakayoko, as it remains to be seen whether Tuchel believes Ethan Ampadu and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are capable of replacing Kanté, Kovacic and Jorginho.
Chelsea are also set to sell Kurt Zouma to West Ham to make room for a move for Kounde. West Ham are ready to pay £ 25million for Zouma and although the deal has been delayed by center-back salary demands, he is increasingly confident he will make the trip to London. The 26-year-old is currently making £ 100,000 a week and he wants a raise if he is to join David Moyes’ side.
As Zouma fell down the hierarchy under Tuchel, Chelsea offered new contracts to Christensen and Rüdiger. Both Christensen and Rudiger have entered the final year of their deals and Chelsea don’t want to lose them on free transfers.
Christensen is believed to be close to agreeing to sign his deal. On the other hand, there is less certainty about Rüdiger, who was almost sold by Frank Lampard last summer. The Germany international has been excellent since Tuchel arrived in January, but he could choose to leave Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all monitoring his situation. Chelsea sold Davide Zappacosta to Atalanta; the Italian full-back joined Turin in 2017.
Meanwhile, West Ham, who has yet to sign a permanent contract this summer, is interested in CSKA Moscow midfielder Nikola Vlasic. The Croatia international could be an alternative to Jesse Lingard, who impressed on loan at London Stadium last season. West Ham want to sign Lingard permanently, but they have been put off by United’s £ 25million asking price for the 28-year-old.
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