Atletico Madrid’s desire to sign Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin could benefit Chelsea in their reported pursuit of Saul Niguez.
According to Goal, Atletico want to move on Saul so they can make room on the wage bill for Cunha.
The Spanish side originally earmarked Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic as their primary target.
It appears the Serbian will be staying put this year, so Atletico have moved onto Cunha instead, who scored eight times for Hertha in 2020/21.
Diego Simeone is keen to revamp his side this season, even if it means losing one of his most trusted soldiers.
He and Saul have been partnered together for nearly a decade, claiming domestic and European glory in the process.
However, the midfielder fell out of favour last term and is now seemingly free to depart his Spanish settlement before the transfer window slams shut.
Saul to Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea will certainly be keeping an eye on this developing saga very closely.
They have apparently thrown their hat into the ring to sign Saul on loan for the campaign.
Yet, the Blues are not the only Premier League club considering a move for the 26-year-old.
AS suggested earlier today that Manchester United are actually in the lead to land the Atletico devotee.
Both English powerhouses would profit from wielding a player of Saul’s abilities in their respective squads.
Whilst United clearly need additional midfield quality, Chelsea could add another star element to Thomas Tuchel’s talented team.
N’Golo Kante’s repeated mini-injury absences make a strong case that support is needed, if only infrequently.
But the Blues will probably have to do their own reshuffling if they are to fit Saul into the system.
Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ethan Ampadu and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all remain on the Stamford Bridge roster.
At least two are going to have to make way for the man from Madrid.