Chelsea may look to “switch targets” away from Declan Rice if Saul Niguez signs from Atletico Madrid and performs well during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Telegraph‘s Matt Law:
The reliable journalist told the London is Blue podcast that signing the 26-year-old on a temporary basis would give the Blues the chance to see whether the Spanish international would be a better alternative to Rice:
“A loan deal would keep Chelsea’s options open. I mean it would keep alive the hope that the man we talk a lot about from West Ham might happen next season and it would also let them look at him. I mean Saul would probably be cheaper than Declan Rice even next summer and so if he did very well they might even switch targets but he is a very interesting one.”
Niguez’s reported asking price is around €45m (£38m), which would be less than half what West Ham would demand for Rice, so if he does sign on loan and steps up to the plate, it would certainly save the club a lot of money.
At the moment, Law claims neither Chelsea nor rivals Manchester United have decided to “press the button” and make a move for Niguez, despite claims that the Blues are the favourites for his signature. One of the two teams, though, may go ahead with an offer before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.
