Rumour: Arsenal and Manchester United in race to sign Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez

Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez (L)

Arsenal and Man United looking to strengthen their midfield options in the summer and have targeted Saul Niguez as a potential recruitment, report The Mirror.

The midfielder, who is contracted to Atletico Madrid currently, is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football and has impressed this season while on loan at Rayo Vallecano.

At 19-years-of-age, Niguez is reportedly keen to kick-start his career as a regular at a permanent club, and with Los Rojiblancos enjoying a fine season packed with fine midfield options, the youngster could look to forge his career elsewhere.

Arsenal and Man United could look to take advantage of that uncertainty over his future by tabling a bid, with Atletico still not in a stable financial situation and thought to be willng to listen to offers for Niguez, as opposed to selling a star player once again, having lost Radamel Falcao and Sergio Aguero in the past three seasons.

Niguez has represented Spain at every youth level so far and is tipped to one day make his bow for the senior side as well.

Chelsea are also linked with a move for the youngster when his loan deal with Rayo ends in the summer.

What makes Saul Niguez such a hot property?

Niguez has missed just two games for Rayo this season, making 17 appearances as Rayo enjoy their relationship with Atletico once again, allowing them to develop players not quite trusted enough to be first team fixtures.

He has won a massive 55 headers for his side in the middle of the park at a win rate of 55%, while he has completed 80% of his passes for the struggling La Liga side.