Griezmann To Leave Atletico?? Chelsea And Man United Already Have Plans To Hijack The Frenchman
Nov 4, 2016 at 2:45 PM
Chelsea will battle it out with Manchester United for striker Antoine Griezmann should the Frenchman want to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, according to reports.
The 25-year-old recently quashed exit rumours by signing a lucrative new deal in the Spanish capital, with the La Liga side putting a £85m release clause in the contract.
But the fee may not be out of reach for Chelsea or United, with the Blues spending £86m last summer while United smashed their transfer record by spending £151m.
The newfound speculation comes after Atletico manager Diego Simeone admitted he might leave at the end of the season, which would cause a knock-on effect on Griezmann among others.
Griezmann has reportedly said that he will “seek a new challenge” if Simeone were to depart, prompting widespread rumours about the pair’s future.
United are strong candidates to sign the Frenchman as they prepare to replace veteran forwards Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But Chelsea are reportedly ready to stake their claim, but it will all depend on if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
Antonio Conte’s side offered £60m for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata in the summer, as well as a similar figure for Romelu Lukau, so £85m for Griezmann could be viable for both parties.
Griezmann has scored eight goals in 13 appearances so far this season, continuing his glistening form from Euro 2016 where he was named the player of the tournament having scored six with two assists.