Chelsea strengthen their midfield - Saul headed to Stamford Bridge

Thomas Tuchel's desires are something Chelsea's boardroom is not willing to ignore. In the last seconds of the deadline day, the Blues agreed to a loan with Atletico Madrid for hard-working midfielder Saul Niguez.

Albeit it was uncertain whether the deal could be sealed before midnight, the Blues have found a breakthrough in the pursuit of the Spanish midfielder and have agreed to a loan deal with Los Colchoneros.

Stamford Bridge squad have apparently managed to convince Atletico to agree on a last-minute deal, despite the Spanish club’s reservations and have done so without bowing to anything more serious than a buy-option demand.

Atlético Madrid allegedly preferred a transfer or a buy-obligation, but it looks Chelsea's commitment won’t be that significant.

The Saul deal looks much like the signing of Mateo Kovacic - Croatian midfielder who came on loan from Real Madrid in 2018. Chelsea decided to buy him out a year later.

Saul's presence should add some important and useful depth behind Kanté, Jorginho, and Kovacic himself. It remains to be seen if Saul will put in as much work as he did for his general at Wanda Metropolitano, Diego Cholo Simeone.

Chelsea and Atletico did their share of trading players in the past - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Maniche, Fernando Torres, Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luis, Diego Costa, Mateja Kezman, Falcao, Alvaro Morata, and Jesper Gronkjaer. Saul is the next one in line.