Another day, another article on what the future potentially holds for Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
This season could very well prove to be the Frenchman’s last in Spain, with the vast majority of big European clubs, including Manchester United, likely to be interested in his services this summer, and the 24th of April will now be a key date as to whether or not a transfer takes place.
That particular date, as reported by Marca on Tuesday, is Atlético Madrid’s last chance to get their summer transfer ban lifted, when the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) will make their final decision on the matter.
Were they to hold up the ban and prevent the La Liga side from registering any news players until January 2018, then Atlético Madrid’s message to José Mourinho and Ed Woodward regarding their star man’s future will be simple: “pay his release clause (which stands at €100m), and he’s yours”.
However, if the CAS allow Diego Simeone and co. to bring in new players in June, things could be very different.
Marca explain that Atlético are aware the player’s desire will play a big part in the matter, and if he wants to leave, they might have to think twice about holding clubs to ransom.
Manchester United are the only club mentioned in the article, as they are described as being ‘first in line’ for Griezmann’s services, yet it is also made very clear they won’t be the only ones approaching the France international in the summer.
Atlético Madrid’s priority, of course, is to convince him to continue, but any hint of him wanting to leave won’t see the club stand in his way, meaning a complete revamp up front will be required in the summer.
A desire to remain, however, would see Diego Simeone focus solely on finding a striker capable of complimenting his star man, seemingly hinting Kevin Gameiro could look elsewhere to find regular first-team football.
With just over a month to go before the now very important date, you can be assured those in charge of transfer at Old Trafford will be awaiting the decision keenly, likely hoping for the CAS to rule in Atlético Madrid’s favour for them to get a slightly better deal on what is likely to be the biggest transfer of the summer.
If not, we’re sure Ed Woodward already has that €100m Manchester United offer all drafted out and ready to send.
