According to reports from AS yesterday evening, Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has been dubbed ‘non-transferable’ by the club’s hierarchy.
The France international moved to Vincente Calderon only last summer in a £24million deal. But a return since of 25 goals in 54 appearances – including a La Liga haul of 22, which was only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during the 2014/15 campaign – has attracted interest from some of his former suitors.
As This Is Futbol revealed in April, Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United are both believed to be considering summer bids for the 24 year-old. Reports since have claimed Griezmann would be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge, despite Blues boss Jose Mourinho recently insinuating a lack of interest in the former Real Sociedad talisman.
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But in an effort to quash rumours of an abrupt departure from Vincente Calderon, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has described the winger-forward as ‘non-transferable’.
That suggests any potential suitor will have to pay Griezmann’s £43.5million release clause in full. Alternatively, This Is Futbol speculates we could see a situation similar to Luis Suarez’ in summer 2013 – when Liverpool rejected a £40million-plus-a-quid-bid from Arsenal for the now-Barcelona star, despite it meeting his buy-out fee.