Chelsea-linked Saúl Ñíguez available for just €40m — report

Chelsea are among several teams (but reportedly not including Bayern Munich) said to be monitoring the situation around versatile midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, who may be looking to leave Atlético Madrid, who may not be standing in his way.

While Saúl’s release clause is set at a gargantuan €150m, with no concrete offers received yet, Atlético are apparently willing to deal as low as €40-50m, according to Marca. The long-time Colchonero who’s still just 26, has five years left on his contract, but that seems immaterial at the moment.

Should Atlético be unable to find a direct transfer, they are apparently also willing to strike an exchange with Manchester City for Bernardo Silva, as per the Times and France Football (via GFFN). Swap deals (i.e. trades) rarely happen in football, if ever, but with both players supposedly unsettled at their current clubs and similar in valuation, Atléti are hoping this could be a fallback option.