Manchester City are reportedly closing in on Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez.
According to ESPN, Manchester City are closing in on the signature of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with a deal worth €80million (£69million) believed to be in the pipeline.
City are pursuing a remarkable quadruple this season, but boss Pep Guardiola won’t rest of his laurels this summer, with more spending seemingly on the cards.
Atletico star Saul, 24, would be a huge signing for City, not just because of the fee involved, but because of his vast experience at such a young age, having racked up nearly 350 first-team appearance as well as 15 Spain caps.
A move has come as something of a surprise, with most expecting City to sign a holding midfielder to sign Fernandinho, but Saul doesn’t appear to be the Brazilian’s heir.
Instead, it seems more likely that Saul would replace Ilkay Gundogan as a player who can play in a number of different roles in midfield, with Gundogan potentially leaving this summer amid concerns about his contract.
That would mean City are still pursuing a number six to eventually take over from Fernandinho, and West Ham may not be safe yet in terms of Declan Rice’s future.
The Sun reported earlier this year that City want Rice as Fernandinho’s heir, and with Saul not exactly fitting the bill, Rice may still be a City target come this summer.
He fits the profile City are looking for as a holding midfielder with real potential, and hims homegrown status is another boost. West Ham won’t want to lose their young star, but it would be little surprise to see City launch a big move for Rice this summer – even after landing Saul.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
