Manchester United could be getting closer to the dream signing of Antoine Griezmann with his club suggesting that they will not stand in the player’s way if he wants to move in the summer.
Manchester United have often been linked with the Frenchman and The Daily Telegraph states that they are prepared to pay the release clause of 100m Euros to bring the forward to Old Trafford.
They quote Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who said:
“I don’t tie anybody down. I simply work in order to continue getting better for the good of the club.
“He [Griezmann] is in an extraordinary moment. He is working well, he has got back on the score sheet. He is currently in great form and it’s normal that the top clubs in the world want him. I’m not surprised that those that can afford him are seeking him.”
The forward signed a new contract which expires in 2021 and which increased his buy out clause from 80 to 100M Euros.
But that may not be enough to stop Manchester United coming in with another blockbuster bid in the close season.
The fact that Paul Pogba and Griezmann are best friends and talk most days, according to the report, may further smooth the transition to Manchester United for the 25-year-old.
Griezmann has been on fire over the last year and a half in particular. He has scored 14 in 39 games for France and already hit the back of the net 12 times in 25 games this season at club level. His overall record at Madrid is 69 goals in 132 games.
Griezmann would represent a departure in style from the days of Zlatan who is a more conventional number 9. Griezmann’s game is all about pace, movement and clinical finishing. He would certainly give the Manchester United attack a more speedy look. But, having started his career as a winger, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he could line up alongside Zlatan next season.
With rumours of a move now abounding United could be closer to capturing a player who the report describes as Jose Mourinho’s top target.