With the final few games of the season closing in and arguably nothing left to play for, the Blues sights are fully fixed on the summer.
It is set to be the first time in 20 years that Chelsea will finish below 6th in the league. That is why this summer is one of the most important that Abramovich will have had to face.
Antonio Conte will become the new manager after his stint with Italy at the Euro’s in June/July. Although, there is no doubt that the current squad is nowhere near the standards it should be if Chelsea wish to challenge with the best in Europe.
They must bring in world-class players however it is extremely important not to panic-buy. A few unflattering signings and there may be a repeat of the current season.
It almost seems as if every world-class player is currently on a plane this second heading to West London. And one rumour that doesn’t appear to be going away is Antoine Griezmann.
The 25 year-old has been linked with a move to the Blues for the last couple of seasons. Furthermore, the probability of the move has taken a huge turn in Chelsea’s favour after reports coming out of the Spanish capital this week that there is question marks over the Frenchman’s future at Atletico.
Griezmann has been the driving force in Atletico Madrid’s attack, scoring 30 and assisting 7 in all competitions this season. That is exactly the type of form Chelsea have been longing for this past year.
An underperforming Eden Hazard, who only recently scored his first goals of the campaign, has led to an over reliance on Diego Costa. And when Costa is suspended, due to him getting on the wrong side of the FA, Chelsea look exceptionally weak going forward.
The signs are obvious why Griezmann is a player Conte would love to have at Chelsea.
However, bringing him in is not going to be as simple as all may come across. The Blues’ dreadful form this season means that they will not be competing in the Champions League next term. That poor form may come back to bite Chelsea on the bum and be the main reason why Griezmann does not make the move to West London.
Additionally, a player of Griezmann’s calibre is not going to come cheap and it has been reported that Atletico have demanded a figure in excess of £60 million.
The Frenchman is also set to the lead the line for France at Euro 2016 in the summer, held in his home nation. And after the recent form the 25 year-old has been showing, he shows no sign of slowing down.
That could ultimately mean an impressive Euros, resulting in more suitors for his signature and Atletico increasing their asking price. That is why Chelsea must act quickly and make an agreement for ‘Grizi’ before he jets off to his homeland for one of the biggest competitions in World Football.
There is no questioning the quality that Antoine Griezmann will add to the West London side’s attack. And Conte will know having him in the side will make them one of the favourites for the Premier League title next season.
But Chelsea face an uphill battle in bringing him to the English capital. The foundations are there, the rest is whether Chelsea are willing to pay such a fee and also offer Griezmann a lucrative deal in order to make up for the loss of Champions League football.
