Transfer news: Manchester United and Arsenal target Saul Niguez gives update on his transfer

English Premier League (EPL) clubs Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in the January transfer window.

Reports suggest that United officials have reached Spain in order to negotiate a deal for the player. However, Niguez has played down the rumours and has suggested of his desire to stay with Atletico Madrid “for life," according to Manchester Evening News.

“My biggest dream is to stay at Atletico Madrid for life. We’ve shown that we can fight for the La Liga title and even win it, but it is very even and any team can give you a scare, so we do not look beyond each game,” Niguez said. He also stated his gratitude to Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone for helping him grow.

Saul Niguez’s father, Jose Antonio Niguez, has also claimed that his son doesn’t want to leave the Madrid club.

The 21-year-old midfielder had a breakthrough season in La Liga which brought in interest from Premier League giants United and Arsenal.

"Saul has a [release] clause of £33.9 million (AU$69.7 million),” Antonio Niguez said to Radio COPE, denying previous claims which stated £15 million (AU$30 million) as the midfielder’s release clause.

Niguez has appeared 19-times for Atletico Madrid this season, scoring one goal in La Liga, creating five goal scoring chances with no assists to his name. He has a pass accuracy of 78%, according to squawka.com.

With Manchester United’s lack of creative spark in the attacking third, it was interesting when Niguez’s name popped up. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been a long-time admirer of the Spaniard and would have loved to add Niguez to his selection at Old Trafford.

However, it does not seem like the Atletico Madrid man is going to move anywhere in the recent transfer window after his open statement to the media.

Niguez started his career with Atletico’s city rivals Real Madrid. The Spaniard has featured in all levels of Spanish youth structure.