Arsenal: Saul Niguez the Santi Cazorla replacement or upgrade?

Atletico Madrid’s star midfielder Saul Niguez has been linked with a move to North London, might he be Santi Cazorla’s replacement or his upgrade?

Leading up to the Europa League draw against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal are linked with one of their most important midfielders – Spanish international Saul Niguez. Saul could be the perfect replacement for injury-ridden Santi Cazorla.

The 23-year-old has held down the midfield with some stellar displays, which would make him an undoubtedly fruitful addition to the Gunner ranks.

Santi Cazorla is still recovering from an injury sustained over a year ago. He can’t be counted on when he hopefully returns at the age of 35. He is not slated to return until 2019 at the earliest.

When fit, Cazorla was an accurate and deadly passer and dribbler, almost in that Henrikh Mkhitaryan mold. Both players can play in the same position and could add more creativity to the side.

With Cazorla out for an extended amount of time, Arsenal are looking for a current replacement. Saul may well be the perfect candidate to build off of what Cazorla was able to do in his time with the club.

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Saul has played for Atletico Madrid since the age of 13. He is Atletico through and through. He has been a stalwart in their midfield, doing just about everything that you could ask for from one man.

He is a combative midfielder with the ability to drive at defenses. His tackling ability coupled with his dribbling and passing makes him the complete midfielder. He can also score goals. He has shown that this season with some wonder goals. Saul’s tackling is world class as well. Like I said – complete.

What Arsenal need

Arsenal is in need of a deep-lying playmaker, someone capable of spraying passes from deep and driving forward. Someone along the lines of Aaron Ramsey or Jack Wilshere, but with contracts and injury problems, can they really be counted on?

Wilshere is a wonderful creative midfielder on his day but injury problems have plagued an otherwise outstanding career. Aaron Ramsey is in the same boat in regards to injuries. The Gunners need a player who could stay injury free and therefore reliable.

Next: 3 Reasons Not To Fear Atletico Madrid

Atletico won’t let Saul go for cheap, as he is an integral part of the first team. He would cost upwards of £50 million, but that is affordable to a club like Arsenal. For that price, you’re getting someone who would add much-needed quality to an lack-luster defensive midfield.

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