CHELSEA have completed the deadline day signing of Saul Niguez.
The midfielder arrives on loan for a fee of £4.5million – and the Blues have the option of making his stay permanent for around £40m.
Talks between the clubs looked to have collapsed only days before the transfer market shut for the year.
But Atletico’s move for former star Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona led the LaLiga champions back to the negotiating table.
And Chelsea have now confirmed their second major transfer of the summer, following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues continued their policy of loaning out fringe stars before Tuesday’s deadline, sending away Ethan Ampadu, Thierno Ballo and Dujon Sterling.
But the Stamford Bridge club then dipped into the loan market themselves to get the Saul deal over the line.
Late reports of a snag in the LaLiga transfer system were overcame and the announcement was made shortly after Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL
Saul stated: “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.”
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “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.”
The 26-year-old, capped 19 times by Spain, featured heavily throughout Atletico’s run to the LaLiga title last season.
Saul appeared in almost 350 games for the club after his move from Real Madrid’s academy at the age of 11.
With Griezmann heading back to Atleti, Barcelona have snapped up Sevilla forward Luuk de Jong as his replacement.
Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/portugal-vs-ireland-live-stream-tv-channel-kick-off-time-and-team-news-for-world-cup-qualifier
