Griezmann To Sign For Chelsea Finally As Abramovich Sanctions £56.8m Deal

Europe’s top scoring winger last season, Antoine Griezmann has been linked with Chelsea throughout the summer, but the rumours died down at some point.

After such a woeful start to the campaign – considering their status, Chelsea are set to rekindle their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann in a bid to bolster their attack.

According to the Metro, Griezmann will be targeted “once again” by Chelsea before the transfer window closes on September 1, with club owner Roman Abrahamovic personally giving assents to the transfer.

The Blues were in pursuit of the potent goalscorer earlier in the summer, but were deterred from continuing the chase due to Atletico’s stout-hearted stance on not selling the Frenchman.

Metro cites the Daily Star who claims Chelsea are set to revive their interest and lodge a bid for the 24-year old France international forward after Abrahamovich sanctioned a £21m opening bid. Atletico have upped Griezmann’s buy-out clause, after the player signed a new deal and Chelsea will have to cough up an around £56.8m if they are to sign him, as it is unlikely the Spanish outfit will accept anything less than that. The 24-year old now remains under contract at the club until 2020.

Griezmann’s impressive goal haul of 22 goals for Atleti in 37 appearances last season has alerted several European heavyweights, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United also reportedly keen.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be a long-term admirer of the France international, who has been capped 18 times by his country and scored 5 goals in the process.

The Portuguese manager has previously declared he is contented with the three strikers – Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao – he has in his ranks and there would not be any other striker arrival. However, with Costa niggling hamstring problems Chelsea could be forced to bring in Griezmann could can play comfortably as either a striker or winger.

The left-footed former Real Sociedad player emerged as Atleti’s top scorer in pre-season, and signing him will help reinvigorate Chelsea’s season. The Blues should be able to afford Griezmann as they have not really spent this summer.