Manchester United and Chelsea FC have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, with the Frenchman intent on continuing under Diego Simeone according to reports in the English media.
Griezmann has had a brilliant season so far at Atletico Madrid, scoring 21 goals in La Liga and seven in the Champions League. His performances have helped Atletico challenge Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title, while also getting the Rojiblancos into their second Champions League final in three seasons.
Chelsea are said to have been pursuing Griezmann’s signature for a long time as the Blues look to boost their attack after a disastrous defence of their Premier League crown this season. Griezmann has also been tracked by other Premier League giants like Manchester United and Manchester City.
However, according to a recent report in The Telegraph, the 25-year-old does not want a move to other clubs as manager Diego Simeone is said to have assured his players that he will be staying at Atletico Madrid.
Simeone has worked wonders at Atletico Madrid, winning the Europa League, Copa del Rey, La Liga as well as reaching two Champions League finals. The Argentine was linked with several of Europe’s top clubs as well as former side Inter Milan, but these rumours seem to have been put to a rest.
Atletico a better choice for Griezmann?
What makes Griezmann one of the best forwards in the world at the moment is that he can play in an array of different positions. Not only can he play up front, but he can also operate on both wings. To add to that, he can also play as a second striker, an attacking midfielder and as a false no.9.
These attributes make him a perfect fit for the systems that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola use. Also, he could be indispensable to Chelsea as the Blues do not have a left-footed attacking player of his quality.
However, none of these three clubs are assured of participation in the Champions League as yet. Atletico, on the other hand, have been assured of a place in the Champions League next season, while Simeone continues to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid in the league. As such, staying at the club seems like the most logical option for Griezmann — at least in the short term.
