Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann emerges as a priority summer target for Manchester City

Antoine Griezmann, who has been heavily linked to Manchester United, has reportedly emerged as a priority summer target for Manchester City.

It seems to be another summer of Manchester United and Manchester City battling to sign the best of talents in the footballing world. As per Daily Mail, Antoine Griezmann, who has been rumored to be ever-close to Manchester United, has emerged as a priority summer target for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.

As per the report, Griezmann is a top target for the Citizens, with Pep Guardiola keen to bring the player to the blue half of Manchester, especially with doubts over Sergio Aguero’s future at Etihad.

Pep Guardiola needs an all-round forward – one who can track back and be a part of the build-up as well as apply the finish – something Griezmann has excelled at in the recent times. So, the interest does not come as much of a surprise.

Griezmann has continued to challenge the icons of footballing world – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – with his brilliant performances one of the main catalysts behind Atletico Madrid’s title challenge – both in the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.

The 26-year-old has 24 goals and 11 assists to his name this season and is set to add more to his tally as the season draws to an end, with his side challenging both for domestic and European honours.

Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is a £75m transfer target for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. (Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/htH1ttCsyR

— Football Transfer (@TransferTrends) April 22, 2017

Griezmann, though, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United – a club that have their own share of troubles upfront.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was responsible for a majority of United’s goals but with the Swede set to miss the rest of the season and more after a horrifying injury against Anderlecht in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals, Jose Mourinho’s hunt for a world-class striker is only likely to intensify.

Add to that the fact that Paul Pogba – Griezmann’s best friend – is at Old Trafford and David Beckham – a Manchester United legend – is Griezmann’s idol, the Red Devils have been labelled by many as the favourites to land Griezmann.

Atletico Madrid are in no mood for negotiations and the clubs have to gazump around £75 million to prize him away from Los Rojiblancos – an amount both the Manchester clubs are unlikely to have a problem in shelving out, if it culminates in the arrival of a player like Griezmann.

It remains to be seen how Manchester City’s entry can affect Manchester United’s pursuit of Griezmann – who may still choose the Red Devils. The pursuit, though, and the winner could well be decided by who is able to secure Champions League football for the next campaign.