According to reports in Spain, Antoine Griezmann has told Atletico Madrid he wants to leave this summer.
Atletico Madrid correspondent Antonio Ruiz, who reports on Diego Simeone’s side on a regular basis, revealed on Tuesday afternoon that Griezmann had handed in a transfer request.
News of his decision will delight Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as the 26-year-old striker is at the top of the Mourinho’s shopping list this summer.
The French international, joined Atletico in 2014 from Real Sociedad, scored 16 La Liga goals for Diego Simeone’s men this season.
Signing Simeone will not be cheap as Atletico will demand every penny of Griezmann’s €100 million buy-out clause, especially as they could owe the Frenchman’s former club Real Sociedad as much as 20% of any fee they receive for him.
With personal terms reportedly already agreed between Griezmann and United, this is one transfer that should get completed quickly, as Atletico cannot do anything if United trigger his release clause.
One of the attractions for Griezmann to move to Old Trafford is the chance to link up with close friend Paul Pogba. Pogba hinted Griezmann could join United by replicating the forward’s celebration after winning the Europa League.
The world’s most expensive player captioned the video ‘is that you?’ and Griezmann, who said a move to United is six out of 10 likely to happen, liked Pogba’s post.
The challenge for Atletico Madrid is whether they can replace Griezmann. The Spanish side are expect to learn on Thursday if their two-year transfer ban has been lifted. They have already served the first year and will be free to strengthen if their ban is halved on appeal as Real Madrid’s ban has been.
Manchester City’s Nolito, Malaga’s former Barcelona forward Sandro Ramirez who is also wanted by Everton and Sevilla attacker Vitolo are all poised to make a move to the red side of Madrid if the are allowed to register signings.
