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Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Saul Niguez on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, with the Blues able to sign the player permanently next summer for £34million.
The Blues announced Saul’s arrival 45 minutes after Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, making him their third summer signing after back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and striker Romelu Lukaku, who joined in a club-record deal.
Spain international Saul has spent his entire career at Atletico but spent one season on loan at Rayo Vallecano.
He has made 340 appearances for the La Liga champions, scoring 43 goals, and has also racked up 19 caps for Spain.
The industrious 26-year-old had played in all three of Atleti’s matches this term but has been allowed to leave by Diego Simeone regardless.
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Saul said in reaction to his move to the English capital: “I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea.
“Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!”
While influential Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia reflected: “We welcome Saul to the club and believe he completes our squad as we compete for honours in five different competitions this season.
“He is a proven winner, a player with huge experience and we know he will be very well-suited to the challenges that face us on all fronts in the coming year.”
Former Chelsea player Jason Cundy told talkSPORT of the deal before it was confirmed: “It’s a ridiculously good deal, especially £5m loan fee as well, it’s an option to buy, we need to cover in the middle of the park.
“Of course they’ve got players who can play in midfield, Mason Mount in one of three. But if you can get Saul in the building, good player that would make a lot of sense to give yourself some cover in that area.”
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