Chelsea‘s hopes of signing Atletico Madrid‘s Antoine Griezmann have been dealt a blow after the player acknowledged that he’d opened transfer talks with his current club.
“I am in the process of extending my contract,” Griezmann confirmed, in an interview with Canal Plus, “we’re on the right tracks.”
The forward’s revelations represent a potential setback for the Blues’ summer transfer plans, with Griezmann having been identified by various sources as the ideal successor for Diego Costa.
The Spain frontman made an immediate impact last season upon moving to Stamford Bridge—helping the Pensioners to the title—but has fallen short of those high standards this term.
He has duly been linked to the exit door, with a return to Spain—and to Atleti—mooted for the tenacious La Roja frontman.
Should he depart, France international Griezmann could be an ideal replacement.
The 25-year-old has managed an impressive 22 goals in 38 outings in the Spanish top flight this season, while he has also scored seven in 12 Champions League outings, including two against Barcelona in the quarter-finals and one against Bayern Munich in the semi.
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Should Antonio Conte be able to tempt Griezmann away from his contract talks with Diego Simeone’s side, the former Real Sociedad man could be the ideal marquee signing for the incoming regime at Stamford Bridge, and certainly has the class to herald in a new era.
Manchester United have also been linked to his services.
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