One of the most talented footballers in Europe is likely on the move this year, with several Premier League clubs battling for the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann. While the skillful French international has been a part of successful seasons in Madrid, Atletico and manager Diego Simeone may encounter a financial situation that they will be unable to refuse.
With eight goals and four assists in the current La Liga campaign, the 25-year old is a tremendous part of Atletico’s squad. But with a costly move into a new stadium set for next season, the costs of business may force Los Rojiblancos to make the sale.
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Griezmann began his career with Real Sociedad, and quickly displayed the attributes that have turned him into the best player in Spain not named Messi or Ronaldo. His pace is nearly unstoppable, with a scoring touch able to rival any forward in Europe.
Since joining Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2014, Griezmann has scored 71 goals in 135 appearances across all competitions.
Deadline Day is approaching rapidly, and many pundits suggest that any possible sale would happen over the summer. But with reported fees of between 85 and 95 million pounds on the table, anything could happen.
We take a look at three Premier League clubs looking to sign Antoine Griezmann at any price and bring his quality and electric energy to England.
Manchester United
The most likely destination for Griezmann in the Premier League is with Manchester United, as manager Jose Mourinho continues to build the club’s roster into his liking for the long-term. Along with joining one of the most famous sides in the world, there are several personal elements linking the player to Old Trafford.
Griezmann has stated that he would like to be able to play alongside his team-mate from the French national side, Paul Pogba. The talented midfielder broke the world transfer record when he moved from Juventus to Manchester United this past August.
Griezmann’s younger brother Theo has had a part to play recently as well, sending several tweets that would point towards his sibling transferring to the Red Devils. Pairing the forward at the top of the line-up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic would certainly see the United attack flourish.
With enough financial resources and the added bonus of playing with a close friend, Manchester United appear to have the fast track on a possible transfer.
Chelsea
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has never been shy about spending in the transfer window, and the Blues could certainly make a big splash with the acquisition of Griezmann.
The Premier League leaders have reportedly been active in transfer talks, and appear to be legitimate competition to Manchester United.
Greizmann and Diego Costa just missed playing together with Atletico Madrid, but could make for a dream forward combination at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea.
Arsenal
One of the most intriguing efforts for Antoine Griezmann comes from Arsenal, as manager Arsene Wenger is making a late push to trigger the player’s release clause. Despite Atletico’s best work to retain him, Griezmann’s clause is reported to be at 85 million pounds.
Arsenal have hard luck in recent years bolstering the striker position with a major signing, missing out on Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) and Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) this past summer.
However, the addition of Antoine Griezmann would be a landmark transfer and set the club up for future success with one of the world’s most prolific forwards.