Manchester United are considering a January raid on LaLiga for an increasingly frustrated striker, while Sunday’s Transfer Gossip has news of Barcelona looking to snatch another Chelsea star on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.
MAN UTD TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GRIEZMANN UNCERTAINTY
Manchester United are reportedly considering pouncing on an opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.
The France international is growing increasingly impatient over the effects of an ongoing standoff with Barcelona.
Griezmann has yet to start a game for Atletico this season, despite scoring three times in seven outings from the bench. Indeed, Diego Simeone has opted to bring on the attacker just after the hour mark in every LaLiga game so far.
The 31-year-old returned to the Wanda Metropolitano on a two-year loan last summer. However, a complex dispute with Barca has led Los Colchoneros to believe that playing the forward for less than 45 minutes per game will save them money.
The permanent option to sign Griezmann can be activated for just £35million next summer. However, tinkering with the player’s game time will supposedly allow Atletico to take advantage of a clause in the deal and pressure their LaLiga rivals into accepting a lower transfer fee.
The Athletic states that while Griezmann has yet to act over his lack of starts, his patience is wearing thin and a permanent exit in January could resolve the situation.
United are said to have enquired about the former Real Sociedad man over the summer. However, Griezmann remained intent on rejuvenating his career at Atletico instead. Indeed, he scored well over 100 goals during his first spell between 2014 and 2019.
But the chances of Griezmann becoming a regular starter again are now hampered by Atletico, Barca stand-off.
World Cup worry for Griezmann
With a winter World Cup fast approaching, Griezmann knows he has to be getting more game time.
However, both Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata are favoured by Simeone. Although Griezmann did show his qualities again after popping up with the late winner in the Champions League victory over Porto in midweek.
As for United’s need for a new striker, that mainly stems from continued doubts over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
The Portuguese forward was handed a rare start in the Europa League on Thursday night. However, he did manage to find the net in the win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
But if Ronaldo opts to move on in January, a major role will need to be filled. And there can be no doubts that Griezmann has the class and quality to fill it.
BARCA EYEING CHELSEA MAN ON A FREE
Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Chelsea star Jorginho next summer, when the midfielder could be available on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old Italy international has just 10 months remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract. And, unless he agrees new terms in west London, he can talk to clubs outside of England from January.
The report in the Daily Mirror claims that Barcelona are looking at potential replacements for Sergio Busquets. The Barca legend turns 35 next summer and will also be out of contract.
And it’s Jorginho who ticks all the boxes for Catalan bosses to replace Busquets, if the Spain star moves on.
The fact that Jorginho will potentially be available for nothing is a huge plus point for Barcelona, who remain in financial strife.
Jorginho joined Chelsea from Napoli for £57million in 2018. He has scored 27 goals in 196 games for the club in all competitions.
LIVERPOOL JOIN ARSENAL IN RACE FOR SHAKHTAR GEM
Liverpool are reportedly ready to join Arsenal and Sevilla in the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January.
The 21-year-old attacker has made a superb start to Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign, scoring two in two games.
The Ukrainian outfit have already revealed they rejected a £26m bid from a Premier League side this summer.
And although Arsenal are leading the chase for the player, Calciomercato has also revealed Liverpool’s interest.
Mudryk provided 11 goal contributions in 19 appearances from the left wing last season. However, it’s in the Champions League where he is making a mark so far this term.
The forward scored and assisted two in the 4-1 thumping of RB Leipzig last week. He also notched the equaliser against Celtic during the week.