Chelsea will be doing their best to stop Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann from joining Manchester United next summer, the Guardian reports.
It’s still very early to make any calls for next year’s summer transfer window, as the new campaign literally just kicked off few weeks ago, but according to reports the Blues are ready to do their everything to sign the France international after the season.
Griezmann is not an unfamiliar name for any Chelsea fan at least, as the club have been following his actions for the past two years, hoping to lure the world-class striker to their ranks with several rebuffed bids.
Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United have also set their sights on signing the 25-year-old, but José Mourinho will be facing a tough bidding war from his former club to clinch a deal for the £84m rated forward.
Griezmann has a release-clause of €100m (£84m) on his new contract with Atletico Madrid, but he has been linked with a move away from La Liga for a few times before, and clubs like United or Chelsea would surely have the financial support to complete such deal.
Also, in addition to the money, the West London side are prepared to see front-man Diego Costa re-sign for his former club Atleti – who have regretted selling the Spain international ever since he left for Stamford Bridge – meaning the Blues could have a good advantage ahead of United should they include the 27-year-old to the deal.
Chelsea did well to keep Costa way from rejoining the Spanish side this summer, but are ready to let him go next summer if his move opens the door for a transfer over star-man Griezmann.
Costa has scored twice for Chelsea in the opening three Premier League games this season, also getting one assist to his name, as he looks likely to be the leading man of the team throughout the season.
