Antoine Griezmann To Join Chelsea FINALLY In Swap Deal Involving Luis Filipe
It is no news that Chelsea are in for Atletico Madrid’s winger Antoine Griezmann this summer. The Spanish club are thought to be preparing for the inevitable with probable replacements for the Frenchman – Luciano Vietto, Ferreira-Carrasco and Jackson Martinez – already brought in by the club.
A player-plus-cash deal has been mooted to be what Chelsea want to offer for Griezmann’s signature, with the Blues’ left-back, Filipe Luis looking the most likely player to be included in the deal as he seeks an end to his frustrating first season at Stamford Bridge.
Atletico boss, Diego Simeone will welcome 29-year old Brazilian whom he described as a very important and well-loved player for and by the club.
The London Evening Standard also revealed in June that a £35.5 million plus Salah will be offered to Atletico in a bid to sign Griezmann.
As per talkSPORT also in June, an extraordinary offer would see Griezmann join the Blues, as Spanish Football expert Graham Hunter described the 24-year old former Real Sociedad winger as “exceptional and would set the Premier League alight”.
However, Chelsea’s signing of Griezmann will send another statement of intent to the club’s other Premier League rivals that the Blues want to consolidate on their League triumph.
The Atletico Madrid man scored 22 goals in 37 appearances for the Madrid-based club in his maiden season in Spain.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho’s main target next season is to go farther in the Champions League as last season’s round of 16 exit of the team did not make him “happy”. Griezmann’s inclusion will no doubt aid in the the pursuit of a second Champions League triumph.
Juventus boss is a keen admirer of Oscar, and may however get his man should Griezmann sign for the Blues. The France international can play in the middle right behind the striker, and this is a position which Mourinho usually deploys Oscar.
With Loic Remy also set to leave this summer, Griezmann’s arrival would no doubt guarantee that the Blues would have a scoring winger, which Jose really desires. Remy is set to join either Crystal Palace or Besiktas this summer with the ex-QPR star
Eden Hazard remains the Blues most consistent and reliable winger, as he was instrumental in the team’s League and Cup successes. The highly-talented Belgian’s starring role for Chelsea led to him being named as the Premier League’s best player last term, among other awards.
Should Griezmann sign therefore, Hazard would have, on him, less pressure to deliver with the Frenchman’s speech and dribbling skills are widely acknowledged.
Chelsea’s other starter on the right wing, Willian is known for his high work rate and less goals. The Brazilian has only scored 6 goals in 61 appearances for the Blues since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 and as such Griezmann’s goalscoring ability will only represent an upgrade.