According to Spanish newspaper Don Balon, Chelsea are planning a thunderous January offer for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, with Antonio Conte reportedly ready to pay up to €80m (£71m) for his signature.
The Blues have suffered plenty of injury woes in their midfield this term, and could be looking for another central midfielder this winter. According to the papers Niguez made an impression to the Italian manager, potentially during the Champions League fixture between Chelsea and Atletico at the end of last month.
The 22-year-old has grown up to be a key player under Diego Simeone, but has had a slow start to the season having only scored and assisted once in all competitions. He was superb last season though, and signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid, rising his release clause up to £134m.
Despite Niguez’s dipping form, Simeone is unlikely to want to sell the player. According to the source Atletico Madrid have already told Chelsea that they’re not going to sell the Spain international, which means that should Chelsea really want him, they will have to trigger his eye-boggling release clause.
Niguez looks like a very good prospect, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t been impressive enough to earn himself a club record transfer to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should use such money to more secure targets.
