After raiding Spanish champions Atlético Madrid last summer, Chelsea could go back to the well once more according to a report from The Telegraph.
Atlético are eager to renegotiate French forward Antoine Griezmann’s current contract, with a particular interest in increasing his £43 million buy-out clause. According to The Telegraph, however, Griezmann is keen on finding out just how interested the newly-crowned Premier League champions are in possibly acquiring his services this summer before he makes anything permanent at the Vicente Calderón.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone does not want to see the young forward leave after he has notched 22 goals in his first season in La Liga.
“Atlético coach Diego Simeone is adamant the club should not sell Griezmann after just one season, but the 24-year-old is clearly not discouraging Chelsea’s interest.”
Chelsea’s recent dealings with Atléti are well known, as the Blues purchased star striker Diego Costa a year ago for £32 million pounds while also adding left-back Filipe Luís for £15.8 million, although Luís could be set for a return to Spain after the conclusion of the season. Additionally, Chelsea recalled 22-year-old keeper Thibaut Courtois to Stamford Bridge this season following a three-year loan spell with Los Rojiblancos.
Chelsea are in the market for forwards this summer with the likely departure of 37-year-old Didier Drogba, not to mention the depth concerns after injury plagued seasons for starter Costa and second-choice Loïc Rémy have forced the aging veteran into action as the Blues’ lone forward on a number of occasions throughout the campaign.
CFC have also been linked with current Atlético midfielder Koke and defender Diego Godín in recent days, so the relationship between the two clubs could be set to continue during this summer’s transfer period.
