Chelsea ready £71 million for top Spanish midfielder

Chelsea are ready to cough up £71m to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain

Spanish outlet Don Balon, as quoted by the Daily Star, reporting that the defending Premier League champions want to sign the 22-year-old midfielder to bolster their options in the January transfer window.

According to the same report, Chelsea boss Conte is a big admirer of the Spain international and the Italian coach wants the attacking midfielder in the next transfer window.

However, the Blues could find it difficult to lure Niguez to Stamford Bridge after the 22-year-old signed a new four-year deal with Atletico in the summer.

Indeed, los Rojiblancos wisely included an eye-watering £134m contract release clause to warn off potential suitors in the promising Atletico Madrid talent.

Another stumbling block to any potential deal is Diego Simeone’s reluctance to sell the rising Spanish star, according to Don Balon.

Chelsea won the Premier League title with two games to spare last season to get their hands on the top-flight crown for the second time in three campaigns.

The west London side are nine points adrift of current Premier League leaders Manchester City to face an uphill battle to retain their top-flight crown.