Arsenal are set to revive their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez, and are looking to launch a bid in the summer to lure him away from Vicente Calderon.
The Gunners had been in negotiations over the player earlier on in the year, but a long term injury to Tiago Mendes scuppered their transfer plans. The Spanish publication, Mundo Deportivo (relayed by Sport Witness) claim that Arsenal are planning to make a formal move for him again this summer.
Saul has cemented himself as one of the key players for Diego Simeone’s side this season, with the Spaniard gradually developing into a complete midfielder under the Argentine’s tutelage. He has bundles of energy, is diligent in defensive duties, never shies away from putting in a tackle, possesses great dribbling skills and has an eye for a pass as well. And he has been a big threat in the attacking third, with him being directly involved in five Champions League goals this season (3 goals, 2 assists) for the Rojiblancos.
The 21-year-old has a lot of quality on the ball and he would be a major force for Arsenal or any other Premier League side. Saul grabbed the headlines on Wednesday night after scoring a sensational solo goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League first leg semi final.
Atletico won’t let him go on the cheap, and the Gunners will have to meet his €45m release clause to secure his services. It may appear as a significant outlay for the Gunners, but given Saul’s potential and the qualities he can bring to the side, it could be worth taking the risk.
The Gunners however are expected to face stiff competition for Saul from Manchester United and Barcelona. In fact, United have a better chance of signing him than Arsenal. The reason being that Saul is represented by Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with United having been involved in some big money transfers (Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria, David de Gea) for the Red Devils over the years.
According to a report from Spain, Mendes apparently has urged United to sign his client Saul, and the Red Devils are planning to trigger the player’s release clause in the summer.
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