Ever since reports emerged that Diego Simeone could leave the Estadio Vicente Calderon at the end of the season, Antoine Griezmann's future at Atletico Madrid has become uncertain. As reported earlier, Griezmann had said that he would leave Atletico Madrid if Simeone leaves for ‘PSG or wherever’.
According to the Sun, Chelsea have joined the race to sign the prolific striker and are prepared to meet the Frenchman's £84m release clause. Griezmann had recently signed a contract extension in June, tying him at the club till 2021. However, Antonio Conte and the Chelsea hierarchy are reportedly set to break their £50m transfer record that they paid for Fernando Torres in January 2011.
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Also read: Antoine Griezmann says he'll leave Atletico Madrid only if Diego Simeone does
The 25-year-old France superstar has also been monitored by Premier League big spenders Manchester United since the before the start of the transfer window. It is believed that Jose Mourinho is still keeping tabs on him and making him his top-priority signing for the next season.
Antonio Conte has brought in Michy Batshuayi this summer as back-up for first team striker Diego Costa. The Italian boss had bids rejected for both Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata in the summer and has plans to add a big name striker before the start of next season.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are aware of Premier League rivals Manchester United's interest in the Euro Cup 2016 player of the tournament. However, Chelsea have a trump card saved up their sleeve as they could use Diego Costa as a makeweight in any deal for Griezmann.
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While United are front runners to land the French hotshot, they already have Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and teenage sensation Marcus Rashford on their roster. As a result, Conte and Roman Abramovich would surely feel that they have a chance to sign the player.
Griezmann is coming off a splendid season scoring 22 goals and setting up 5 more in 38 La Liga appearances. He also starred for France in the recently conclude Euro 2016 scoring 6 goals and assisting twice going on to win the Golden Boot and the player of the tournament.
With Loic Remy going out on loan to Crystal Palace, the Chelsea boss has been left with few options up front. A versatile player of Griezmann's quality who can operate on both wings and also centrally will be an asset to any team.
