Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, as Diego Simeone has revealed that he wants Filipe Luis to return to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
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Griezmann has a £43m release-clause written into his contract, and the Premier League champions are reportedly willing to meet this figure, but could bring Filipe Luis into the deal to bring the price down.
The France international is said to be at the top of Jose Mourinho’s transfer wish list, and a potential Blues swap deal had been mooted with the Portuguese manager considering offering Luis in part of a deal for the exciting Rojiblancos attacker in the summer window.
The Brazilian has made just a miserable nine starts since moving to Stamford Bridge last summer; having struggled for first-team action given Cesar Azpilicueta’s commanding form at left-back.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone has declared his desire to see the former Atleti defender end his unhappiness in England and return to Madrid – hinting that he could make an offer in the summer – or accept the proposed Griezmann transfer.
Simeone said, “We all know Felipe. I love him. If he is not happy then he knows the doors are open here,” as quoted by the Daily Star.
“Here we always want players who have served the club and I have no doubt that he’d be well received.”