Almost Done – Griezmann To Join Chelsea, Atletico Shops For Replacement

In anticipation of French striker Griezmann’s departure from Vicente Calderon, Atletico Madrid are making efforts to sign Villareal striker, Luciano Vietto. The Argentine forward, who has been seen as perfect replacement for Antoine Griezmann has 12 Liga goals, and a season tally of 20 for his side. Vietto’s arrival will make him reunite with his former boss, Diego Simeone, who he played under in the Racing club. Atletico are never to be caught unaware at times as such, as they brought in Griezmann when Diego Costa departed, and Costa was saddled with the major striking responsibility when Falcao left. As Antoinne leaves, the tradition continues.

This development gives Chelsea a go-ahead to approach Atletico Madrid in order to secure the transfer of Griezmann to Stamford bridge. The speculations have been on high in the recent weeks, and the striker, who is also keen of a move to the EPL champions, has delayed his decision until Chelsea formally approaches the Spanish club. Now seems the right time for the pensioners to make that move. The club has made it clear that a new striker will be recruited to boost the striking force in the current squad, and after having almost suffered setbacks due to lack of fit strikers this season, they resolved to get another quality forward.

Griezmann who was almost signed by Fulham in early 2014, has put up record-breaking performances ever since his arrival to Atletico from Real Sociedad. He has scored 22 goals in 35 Liga appearances, becoming 3rd-joint highest goal scorer with Brazilian’s Neymar. His goal-scoring prowess has made him a transfer target of major clubs around Europe, but Chelsea is ahead as they are ready to break the bank in order to meet his 43 million pounds buyout clause. And also swap left-back Filipe Luis with him.