Paul Merson has written in The Daily Star that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal should have signed Saul Niguez before the midfielder joined Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
Saul joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid on summer transfer deadline day.
The Spain international midfielder moved to the 2021 Champions League winners on a season-long loan deal.
Former Arsenal star Merson believes that Arsenal and Manchester United should have bid for the 26-year-old before his move to Chelsea.
Merson has pointed out that instead of signing Saul, Arsenal ended up giving fellow midfielder Granit Xhaka a new contract.
Merson wrote in The Daily Star: “Chelsea now have a midfield dreams are made of after getting Saul Niguez on deadline day.
“What a phenomenal signing that is. He’s in his prime. He’s just won La Liga. He plays in all the big games. And you get him on loan. That’s amazing.
“He’s only going to cost £30m if they make it permanent as well. Where do you ever find players like that for that kind of money? Amazing.”
The Sky Sports pundit added: “I don’t know why teams like Manchester United and Arsenal didn’t go in for him. Look at their midfields.
“United have Paul Pogba but he can’t play in a two and then it’s Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
“And Arsenal ended up handing a new contract to Granit Xhaka… The difference in class is enormous.”
Saul Niguez to Arsenal?
Saul is a brilliant signing for Chelsea and would make the Blues even stronger in the middle of the park.
It is really astounding that Chelsea could sign Saul on a loan deal.
Merson is right.
Saul would have made Arsenal better and stronger in the middle of the park.
However, it was always unlikely that the Gunners would have been able to sign the 26-year-old.
Saul won the La Liga title with Atletico last season and is used to playing in the Champions League season after season.
A move to Arsenal would not have been very tempting for the Spain international, especially with Chelsea also in the frame.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
