In Jose Mourinho’s second season in charge at Chelsea, he raided Atletico Madrid for the services of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and the returning Thibaut Courtois. As well as having a reported deal for former Chelsea midfielder Tiago turned down.
Rumours are suggesting that Jose Mourinho could yet again look no further than the Spanish capital for his summer recruitment’s as he begins to plan for his third season in charge at Chelsea. The Guardian claim that Mourinho will look to bring in Antoine Griezmann and Toby Alderweireld, who is currently on loan at Southampton.
Griezmann only moved to Madrid last July for £16m from Real Sociedad, he has caught the eye of potential suitors after consistent impressive performances. Griezmann can play wide but has also played through the middle for Diego Simeone. The Frenchman international boasts blistering speed and an impressive work rate, something Mourinho will no doubt be an admirer of. He has scored a total of twenty five goals already this season.
Griezmann joined the club on a six year deal, however the contract does include a £43m buyout clause. Simeone is believed to be keen on a new deal for the Griezmann which would abolish the release clause.
Chelsea could also look to the La Liga side to add depth to their defensive ranks. Toby Alderweireld joined Southampton on a season long loan as he was not in Simeone’s current plans in Spain. Conversely the Belgian defender has impressed in the Premier League under Ronald Koeman. He has proven his ability in the Premier League with a successful partnership with Jose Fonte. He has also shown his versatility by showcasing his abilities to play in the midfield and be very comfortable on the ball.
His versatility will catch the eye of Mourinho, especially after the way Mourinho has deployed Kurt Zouma in the run in to the end of the season. Alderweireld has scored just the one Premier League goal this season but he has also put Tottenham alert after he admitted he would love to play alongside Jan Vertonghen in the Premier League.
Atletico Madrid has also expressed an interest in keeping Alderweireld in Spain next season. Because of the new restrictions involving financial fair play, Chelsea would be expected to make one significant sale for any deal to be completed.
