According to reports from The Express, Atletico Madrid are preparing for life without Chelsea and Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann.
The France international earned a £24million move to Vincente Calderon in summer 2014 after playing an intrinsic role in Real Sociedad’s rise from the Spanish second tier to the Champions League in the space of four seasons, claiming 52 goals in 201 appearances.
He was considered a wide-man and a No.10 during his Anoeta tenure, or at most extreme a winger-forward, but has flourished as the spearhead of the Mattress Makers’ attack since moving to the Spanish capital. Operating almost exclusively as an out-and-out striker, albeit often in tandem with another centre-forward, the 24-year-old has netted 32 times in 69 outings for Atletico – including five La Liga strikes and two Champions League goals this season.
The change in role has seen Griezmann emerge as one of the most sought-after forwards on the continent, seemingly equally adept in both positions whilst also catching attention for his relentless work-rate, in typical Diego Simeone style. Chelsea and Manchester United were hot on the 5 foot 9 attacker’s heels during the summer and have been linked once again ahead of the January transfer window, with both clubs looking for added firepower, whilst Premier League rivals Arsenal and La Liga giants Real Madrid have been mooted as potential suitors as well.
Although Atletico are reluctant to see their star entity leave Vincente Calderon, The Express claim the club are preparing for life without him by considering potential replacements. Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan, often tipped to join one of Europe’s more prestigious top flights, is on their radar along with Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara according to Spanish publication Don Balon – who claim the Bavarians are also targeting Griezmann as a successor to the seemingly disillusioned Arjen Robben. The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away in recent weeks after an apparent fall-out with team-mate Robert Lewandowski.
It’s good news for Griezmann’s Premier League suitors, but the Mattress Makers are still unlikely to surrender the Frenchman for anything less than his €80million release clause.