Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid as Arsene Wenger prepares to replace some key players this summer.
The Gunners are set to lose Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Thomas Rosicky at the end of the season, which will free up spaces in the midfield.
According to a report in AS today, Niguez is the latest name to be linked with a switch to North London, following his impressive rise in form this season.
He allegedly has a £18.6million release clause in his contract that Atletico are trying to remove. Saul is demanding around £74,000 per week, an amount Arsenal would surely be happy to pay for a player of his calibre.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone has nurtured the 21-year-old through the academy and has handed him a regular place in the starting eleven for the majority of the campaign.
The youngster spent some time out on loan at Rayo Vallecano but has since made 43 appearances for the senior side at Athletico, scoring six goals in the process.
Having been recognised as more of a defensive midfielder, Niguez is set to pick up a place in the Spanish squad for this Summer’s Euro’s, which has attracted attention from some big rival clubs.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with the midfielder as they look to add reinforcements in time to build on a disappointing season.
But with the reputation Niguez has made already, his price tag will continue to rise and that is an off-putting factor for Wenger, who has never been famed for buying big.
The Spaniard currently has a contract that runs until 2020 which already dents a chance of gaining his signature, but there lies an even bigger sign that Niguez is a hot prospect.
Following recent rumours suggesting he’d be moving away from life in La Liga, his father confirmed that a £34.7million release clause has been marked down.
That to me shows he’s a man that Atletico will fight to keep, but they will face a stiff opposition in Wenger who is desperate to re-build a squad that will lose some veteran players.
Saul’s ability with the ball, combined with some impressive physical attributes makes him an ideal addition to a midfield crying out for a player who can combine both qualities.
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