Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann has further added oil to the transfer fire, stating that he would prefer a move to the Premier League than Ligue 1, if he decides to leave his current club. No doubt, big clubs across Europe will be closely monitoring his situation as he has been delivering with flying colors for both club and country.
The Frenchman was an influential figure for Diego Simeone’s side last season, where they fell short in the Champions League final at the hands of local rivals Real Madrid. He also secured the top spot of the club’s scoring charts in the league and all competitions.
He extended his fine form at the Euro 2016 too, being a cornerstone of the host nation’s offensive play and in the end bagging the top scorer award. However, France, despite labeled as the favourites to lift the tournament, upset the odds by losing to Portugal in the final. Overall, Griezmann’s value has seen an astronomical rise in the transfer market.
This season, he has stretched his sublime form, notching 9 goals and contributing six assists in all competitions so far.
The Mirror reports that Manchester United and Chelsea are competing to secure his signature. The Manchester club did magnetize a host of world-class stars in the summer yet are struggling to perform on the pitch, after another disappointing 1-1 stalemate at home against West Ham United last weekend. Perhaps Paul Pogba could be the silver bullet to lure his compatriot over if Jose Mourinho is keen to add more firepower to his squad. While, Chelsea are enjoying a rich vein of form and currently led the Premier League table after 13 rounds.
“A transfer between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid is not an option. Barcelona would be an option. But they have three untouchables in attack at the moment,” Griezmann sharing his thought with Telefoot.
“PSG could be an interesting option, but I do not want to move to Ligue 1 at this stage of my career. I prefer to stay in La Liga or maybe move to the Premier League. I have heard the Premier League is crazy, so why not? But I do not want to leave Atletico at all costs.”
The 25-year-old’s biggest attributes are pace, trickery, and clinical finishes. It’s a package that is desperately needed by any big club in today’s climate, especially those playing a front-three. Thus, Antonio Conte has a good reason to be licking his lips. Griezmann can be stationed in either flanks or solely in the middle as a striker if Costa picks up an injury or a goal-drought. Having not hit the prime age yet, he could further develop into a great player under Conte, who has breathed new life into many players in the current Chelsea squad. For the fans, besides the guaranteed source of goals, he brings to the team, the sparkle of stardust would tempt them even more.
The same source (Mirror) also claims that the French international has a £85m release clause in his contract which will keep him at Atletico Madrid until 2022. If he fits the plan, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would be more than happy to break the bank yet looking at the way things are going for the club, Antonio Conte is pretty contented with what he has.
With Paris Saint-Germain ruled out from the list despite their interest and Barcelona comprising the world’s most fearful attacking trident, the route is pretty open for both Chelsea and Manchester United yet if Atletico Madrid seize the Spanish League trophy at the end of the season, Griezmann might put a full stop to his future speculations.