Manchester City reportedly snubbed the chance to sign newly-signed Chelsea midfielder Saul Niguez in a swap deal involving Bernardo Silva.

According to an exclusive report by Daily Star, Manchester City were proposed a swap deal to sign Saul Niguez in the summer transfer window, with Atletico Madrid asking for Bernardo Silva. However, the Premier League champions rejected such an offer, before Chelsea swooped the Spaniard away on Deadline Day.

Saul Niguez has joined Chelsea on a season-loan loan deal after being the subject of some intense transfer speculation all through the summer transfer window. The Spanish international was linked with a bevy of top clubs across Europe, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona all showing an interest before Chelsea landed him instead.

The move came about after a frustrating 2020/21 campaign with Atletico Madrid, wherein he lost his place as a regular and was instead used as a rotation option. With things reaching a head at the Wanda Metropolitano, a summer exit appeared to be the best possible solution. However, it has now appeared that Manchester City could well have beaten Chelsea to Saul’s signature.

As per Daily Star, Manchester City had the chance to sign the 26-year-old on a part-exchange deal, with Atletico Madrid asking for Bernardo Silva as part of the deal. The Portuguese international had indeed been in an uncertain situation in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola even confirming that he was ready to leave the Citizens.

Bernardo Silva remains a Manchester City player. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva remains a Manchester City player. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

However, Manchester City had been adamant that they were only going to part ways with Silva if a suitor managed to match their valuation of the playmaker. In the end, no club came up with an offer, with Silva staying put at the Etihad. And City were uninterested in the part-exchange deal with Saul as well.

Manchester City’s disinterest worked perfectly in favour of Chelsea, who, in turn, managed to snap up the Spaniard on a season-long loan deal. The Blues even have the chance to sign him on a permanent transfer next summer, just as they had with Mateo Kovacic two years ago.

Also Read: Chelsea Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2021/22

As for Manchester City, it remains to be seen if their decision to not accept a part-exchange deal involving Saul and Silva comes back to haunt them. For now, Chelsea would be hoping he is another successful midfield acquisition in what will be a big season for them, challenging on all four fronts.

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