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What’s the story?
Chelsea had a dismal transfer window this summer and the club director, Marina Granovskaia has taken full responsibility for it. Antonio Conte is not happy at all but has been assured that they will 'make it up' when the January window opens.
The #1 target for the club director is now said to be Antonie Griezmann. The Express report that Marina has already made her list of targets for the next window with the Frenchman on top.
The report claims that Chelsea will be offering Diego Costa as a part of the deal to make things easier for them to agree the deal. Atletico Madrid are keen on re-signing Costa and are reportedly open to the deal.
In case you didn’t know...
Griezmann had agreed to join Manchester United during the transfer window. However, when the transfer ban on Atletico Madrid was not lifted, he decided to stay at the club and help them.
Diego Costa meanwhile was keen on joining Atletico Madrid this summer after Conte texted him and informed him that he was not a part of his plans for the season. The Spanish side however, were not able to agree a deal with Chelsea for him and the player is now stuck at Stamford Bridge.
The heart of the matter
Marina Granovskaia is determined to make 'big signings' in January to make up for his mistakes in the summer. The deals she failed to conclude include the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alex Sandro and also Diego Costa's exit.
The Chelsea director has now set sights on signing Atletico Madrid's Antonie Griezmann in January. The Frenchman has recently signed a new contract but is still keen on moving to the Premier League.
What’s next?
Chelsea will hold talks with Atletico Madrid for the striker in the coming months. The clubs are still in good terms despite the failed transfer of Diego Costa but the Spanish side might demand a huge fee as the Premier League champions did not lower their price for Costa.
It would take a £70 million + Costa bid at least to secure the signing of Griezmann. They will also have to seal this quickly as Manchester United are still interested in signing the Frenchman.
Author’s Take
Chelsea have been chasing Griezmann since his Real Sociedad days but the striker has always rebuffed their interest. He would only move to Stamford Bridge if Manchester United decide not to sign him.
