Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Chelsea have no intention of moving for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, paving for the way for Manchester United to secure a deal for the French international.
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“Griezmann is a great attacker, but he is not one of our objectives to reinforce the team next season, Mourinho began, speaking to Marca, during Chelsea’s post-season tour of Australia.
“We are not interested.”
The 24-year-old looks set to be one of the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window, with several major clubs believed to be keen on his signature.
The Metro recently reported that the Red Devils were closing in on a £32.5 million-move for the attacker as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his offensive options. Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on the Macon-born star, again via the Metro.
Earlier this week, Chelsea appeared to be favourites for the forward, with Todo Mercato Web [via the Metro] indicating that Griezmann looked likely to move to Stamford Bridge during the summer. Reports suggested that the Pensioners had met the player’s £43.5million-release clause and were set to release him from their contract at the Vicente Calderon.
The former Real Sociedad starred in La Liga this term, bagging 22 league goals, and finding himself behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the goal-scoring charts.
Mourinho’s comments, however, would all but rule the reigning English champions out of the race for the talented forward.
The Pensioners are expected to recruit this summer, with The Guardian reporting that the Blues are plotting a £30 million-offer for Napoli’s Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, while Diego Costa has already confirmed that he is happy at the club according to L’Equipe.