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Chelsea completed Saúl Ñíguez’s signing on the deadline day as the midfielder arrived at west London club on a loan deal from Atlético Madrid.

The 26-year-old’s exit helped the La Liga winners re-sign Griezmann Antoine Griezmann on loan deal Barcelona, with an obligation to buy.

Saúl has been linked with a move away from Los Rojiblancos since the end of last season, but there were no firm offers to buy him.

The Blues finally came to his rescue, but they only took him on a temporary deal, which left the Spain international puzzled.

Enrique Cerezo, the president of the Spanish club was interviewed by Cadena Ser’s program, El Larguero, where he suggested Saúl’s move to Stamford Bridge opened the door for Diego Simeone’s side to sign the French forward.

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“It was a three-way operation and we have been lucky to have Griezmann for the next two years,” he said.

“We did not count on Griezmann, but we did not know if Saúl was going to leave. I have not yet been able to speak to him because he was in France.”

Saúl made three appearances for Atlético this season, operating as a left wing-back. Cerezo admitted the Atlético owned man was left frustrated for being played out of his preferred position.

“Saúl was not very satisfied in the position in which he was playing and has decided to leave. Wherever he goes he will be a great player and much loved by Atlético de Madrid,” Cerezo explained.

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