Big ask for Blues if they want to land target
Chelsea are reportedly willing to meet Antoine Griezmann’s £85million release clause next summer, but must deliver Champions League football this season in order to land him.
The London Standard understands that the striker is keen on a move to the Premier League for the right club and the right wages, either next summer or the summer after that.
He has since scored 61 goals for Atletico and signed a new contract in June, which includes an £85m release clause.
Although that deal runs until 2021, it is understood the French striker wants to make a move to an English club before then.
Chelsea are willing to meet that £85m price, but will be unlikely to convince the 25-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge if they don’t finish in the top 4 this season.
Chelsea failed to qualify for the competition for the first time in the Roman Abramovich era after finishing 10th last season.
However, they’ve made a good start to this campaign, taking 10 points from 5 games.
Chelsea could use ex-Atletico Diego Costa as part of the deal for Griezmann. Costa was linked with a move back the Vincente Calderon this summer, but the switch never materialized.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
