Top 5 Replacements for Antoine Griezmann if he Leaves Atletico Madrid

When Antoine Griezmann came to Atletico Madrid in 2014 from Real Sociedad in search of greener pastures, he certainly made the most of it. In Madrid, Griezmann has become one of the most feared forward in world football and perhaps greener pastures await him.

The Frenchman is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona and the Catalan club also crave his services. Since joining Atleti, Griezmann has scored 112 goals in all (79 in La Liga). He has led them to two Champions League finals, both of which they lost to derby rivals Real Madrid.

Earlier this month he propelled his side to the Europa League title, which was his first major honour. If Griezmann does leave Atletico, his hole will be hard to fill.

Here are 5 candidates to replace him nonetheless.

---

#5 Angel Correa

Correa can be given a chance to step into Griezmann's shoes

Correa provides the option to Diego Simeone to refrain from signing a direct replacement for Griezmann. The Argentine forward was signed by Atletico in 2014, but a heart tumour kept him out for more than a year.

Even though he returned to full fitness, he has never been able to establish himself as a guaranteed striker. Players such as Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, and Kevin Gameiro have competed for playing time ahead of him.

He has been shifted to the wing quite a few times which has curtailed his minutes in the favored striker position. Correa has good skill, pace and more importantly, he knows Simeone's system and is familiar with it.

Deploying him alongside Costa if Griezmann leaves will not be a bad choice at all.

#4 Angel Di Maria

Di Maria can return to La Liga with Atletico

The Argentine playmaker will walk into most sides in Europe but he has found it difficult at Paris Saint-Germain due to the depth they possess. Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Edinson Cavani are ahead in the pecking order and Di Maria will find it hard to usurp them.

Also, PSG are trying to navigate past muddy waters regarding UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules due to the mammoth signings of Neymar and Mbappe last summer. Hence offloading the likes of Di Maria could be a need rather than a choice.

Di Maria's preferred position is not the one which Griezmann will vacate, but Atletico has great depth in striking options to fill that void. Di Maria can play on either wing and his playmaking ability is one of the few things Atletico lack.

Atletico will have a tough time matching his wages in Paris but Di Maria could also look to compromise for guaranteed playing time.

#3 Ciro Immobile

Immobile has had a breakout season for Lazio

Immobile has taken the Seria A by storm this season, finishing as the top scorer with 29 league goals for Lazio. He has scored 41 goals in all competitions this season, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi. Good company to be in, right?

However, Lazio narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot next season and Immobile has been linked to a number of European clubs. In Simeone, he will find the manager who has developed strikers such as Griezmann and Costa into world-class marksmen.

Immobile is a potent attacking threat with great finishing skills and a desire to keep running on and off the ball. Atletico can give him a chance to hone his skills to take him to the next level.

#2 Rodrigo Moreno

Rodrigo has been sensational for Valencia

Rodrigo has been a revelation for Valencia in the 2017/18 La Liga this season. In his first season as a regular starter, the Spaniard has bagged 16 goals and 4 assists to propel Valencia into the Champions League.

He has been a key player for his club but financial constraints at Mestalla could enable him to leave if a sizeable offer came through from Atletico. Reports suggest that Simeone wants Rodrigo irrespective of Griezmann's decision and he is willing to offer Kevin Gameiro in exchange.

Rodrigo is named in Spain's World Cup squad by coach Julian Lopetegui and his stock is sure to rise in Russia. Aged 27, he is about to enter his prime and Atletico would love to have his services next season.

#1 Paulo Dybala

Dybala is one of the hottest talents in Europe

Paulo Dybala is undeniably one of the brightest prospects in world football currently. He has scored 68 goals in three seasons for Juventus and he can only improve as time passes.

However, his strained relationship with the higher order in Turin, especially boss Massimiliano Allegri, has seen him sit out some big matches. Odds are that they would patch up their differences but the possibility of a move cannot be ruled out.

Diego Simeone reportedly had dinner with Dybala in March which sparked rumors about his move even though the manager dismissed reports. If the move were to happen, Dybala could make Atletico regular contenders for the league and the Champions League.

Juventus have said that the Argentine forward is not for sale. But they said the same thing about Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal as well.