According to Fabrizio Romano, Atlético Madrid maestro Saúl Ñíguez is now ready to leave the Spanish side and join a Premier League club.
What’s the story?
Well, after a period of silence regarding the 26-year-old’s future, people are talking about the Spaniard once again.
It was said that Liverpool were in talks to sign the 19-cap Spain international, although Romano believes the competition has just hotted up.
The reliable Italian journalist claims that Chelsea have opened talks to sign Saúl in recent days, and have made an offer to Atlético Madrid.
Chelsea’s bid is a loan-to-buy offer, while Romano adds that Manchester United have also asked about Atlético Madrid’s No.8.
While he doesn’t mention Liverpool on this occasion, Romano crucially adds that Saúl is ‘set to leave’ and is ‘ready’ for the Premier League.
Do Liverpool need Saúl Ñíguez?
In our view, the Spaniard would be the perfect replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
Saúl is capable of operating as a No.6 in a deep-lying midfield role, like Wijnaldum used to do under Jürgen Klopp.
However, he is also capable of acting as a No.8 or even a No.10, as he has great ability in the final third and a good eye for goal.
The £257,000-a-week man is a very rounded midfielder, who would allow Klopp to use him in many different ways depending on the opposition.
It will be tough to fend off Chelsea, given the pulling power of the Champions League winners right now.
However, Liverpool are arguably more attractive in the grand scheme of things – keep an eye on this saga with just days left of the transfer window.
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