Chelsea 'consider permanent Saul Niguez deal as Declan Rice, Aurelien Tchouameni alternative'

Chelsea will reportedly sign Saul Niguez on a permanent deal during next summer's transfer window if the Spaniard impresses during the 2021-22 campaign.

Saul moved to the Blues on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day and can be signed on a permanent basis for £30m next year.

According to the Evening Standard, head coach Thomas Tuchel wants to acquire a new midfielder next summer and remains interested in West Ham United's Declan Rice and Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni.

However, the report claims that Saul will be given every chance to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge, and the deal would likely end Chelsea's immediate interest in Rice and Tchouameni.

Tuchel is said to view Saul as the ideal player to complement N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in terms of his options for central midfield.

The Spaniard is in contention to make his debut in Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.