According to reports from Fichajes yesterday afternoon, manager Jose Mourinho has insisted Chelsea launch a significant bid to sign in-demand Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
The France international made his name as Real Sociedad’s talismanic wide man, playing an intrinsic role in their meteoric rise from the Spanish second tier to the Champions League in space four seasons, but has proved himself equally effective as a centre-forward since moving to Vincente Calderon in summer 2014.
Indeed, the 24 year-old has bagged 31 goals in 64 appearances for the Mattress Makers – including a potent haul of 25 goals across all competitions last season.
Griezmann is already being eyed by a number of major European clubs. The winger-forward was heavily linked with Arsenal and Manchester United throughout the summer and reports earlier this month confirmed he’s still on their radar – whilst also attracting interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
We’ve mooted him as a potential alternative to Red Devils target Neymar, following news that the Brazil international intends to extend his contract at Barcelona despite a £139million bid from the Old Trafford outfit.
But according to Fichajes, Chelsea are currently proving the most proactive in the race for Griezmann’s signature. They claim Jose Mourinho has insisted the club launch a bid for the 5 foot 9 attacker – knowing that it will likely have to be a club-record sum to convince Diego Simeone’s side to sell. His contract is believed to include a £56.5million release clause.
The report is perhaps no great surprise considering Chelsea’s poor start to the season, which in recent weeks has resulted in attacking midfielders Eden Hazard and Oscar dropped to the substitutes bench. Likewise, struggling striker Radamel Falcao could request to return to Monaco in January, vacating another attacking slot in Chelsea’s squad.