Manchester United are ready to break the bank – again – for Atletico Madrid’s star striker Antoine Griezmann
France striker knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League on Tuesday with the away goal in a 2-1 defeat to the Germans and is now tipped for a move to the Premier League
Manchester United are prepared to break the bank in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, according to reports.
As revealed by SunSport, the French star is a top transfer target for the Red Devils this summer after another stellar season under Diego Simeone.
Griezmann is Atletico’s top La Liga goal-scorer as the capital side remain neck-and-neck with Barcelona in the title race, and has found the back of the 31 times in all competitions.
The winger – also capable of playing as a striker – is in the crosshairs of Chelsea as Antonio Conte prepares to ring the changes at Stamford Bridge.
But according to Spanish media outlet El Confidencial, United are willing to ‘pay whatever it takes’ to bring Griezmann to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old is believed to have a release clause of £65million, and the Red Devils look certain to match it despite question marks remaining over Louis van Gaal’s future.
Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho has been linked with the Dutchman’s job, despite Van Gaal getting United to the FA Cup final as he looks to nab the Premier League’s final Champions League spot.
But Ed Woodward is pulling the transfer strings at the Theatre of Dreams after sanctioning last summer’s big-move for Monaco’s Anthony Martial.
United’s executive vice-president has remained tight-lipped on the speculation surrounding Van Gaal, but is keen to see some big names arrive at the club in the upcoming transfer window.
Griezmann’s Atletico teammate Saul Niguez is another reported target for Woodward, while a battle with Manchester City for Everton’s highly-rated young defender John Stones also looks likely.