Chelsea have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on loan with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.  

A loan move for the Spaniard appeared to be over in the past 48 hours, with the Spanish club deciding they wish to keep the midfielder for the 2021-22 campaign.

But the LaLiga champions then made a U-turn regarding the 26-year-old and he has joined Thomas Tuchel's side for a loan fee of £4m.

On switching to London, Saul said: 'I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea.

'Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can't wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. 

'See you soon!'

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: 'We welcome Saul to the Club and believe he completes our squad as we compete for honours in five different competitions this season. 

'He is a proven winner, a player with huge experience and we know he will be very well-suited to the challenges that face us on all fronts in the coming year.' 

Saul was keen on moving to Stamford Bridge as he looks to earn his place back in the Spanish squad. 

The 26-year-old was not selected by Luis Enrique for the national team at the Euros and missed out once more for the upcoming international break. 

A fresh start at Chelsea will provide Saul the opportunity to prove his worth to Enrique. 

During his time with the Spaniards, where he has played 447 matches and scored 53 goals, Saul has won the Europa League twice, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish and UEFA Super Cups, and as recently as last season, the league title in his homeland. 

He played 33 of the 38 LaLiga games in 2020-21 and scored twice as Diego Simeone's side beat Real to the title by two points.