Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has been attracting intense interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United over the past few months.
This is hardly surprising given his excellent performances for the Spanish side over the last couple of seasons, where he has netted 63 goals, as well as a fantastic showing to help France reach the Euro 2016 final.
Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
The French striker also added fuel to the fire by splitting with his agent last month, and this has further intensified the speculation surrounding his future.
With both Chelsea and Manchester United interested, here’s THREE reasons why Griezmann should join Antonio Conte’s Chelsea over Jose Mourinho’s United…
He would get into Chelsea’s starting XI
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Despite the variety of creative options at Conte’s disposal, Griezmann would certainly get into the starting eleven.
His versatility would give the Chelsea boss plenty of options as to where to play him, as he could be the focal point of the midfield, out wide, or even upfront alongside Diego Costa. The possibilities are somewhat endless.
With the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Cesc Fabregas, and the potential for Eden Hazard to leave Stamford Bridge as part of a move to bring Leonardo Bonucci to the club, Conte may need to further world-class talent to fill those voids.
Griezmann is just that.
He could slot into Conte’s new system
Blues boss Conte – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Chelsea are undergoing somewhat of a transformation under Conte, and successfully played a 3-4-3 formation against champions Leicester City on Saturday.
The Blues dominated every aspect of the game, and with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic monitoring the centre of midfield effectively, it gives the front three license to roam in the final third.
This could get the best out of Griezmann.
Not only can he play wide in a front three, he’d be able to play through the middle as well and if Conte felt that he needed two forwards on the pitch, he could play Griezmann alongside Costa.
With Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso, both of whom I thought were excellent against Leicester, bombing down the flanks and getting balls into the box, Griezmann would have ample chances to both score and create in this Chelsea side.
He’s tailor made for Conte’s management style
Atletico boss, Simeone – Photo: Offside.
Being part of a Diego Simeone team demands a high intensity and phenomenal work-rate, and that’s exactly what Griezmann has developed in his time at Atletico Madrid.
Apart from being a lethal forward, the Frenchman has developed the defensive side of his game, and this has all happened without hindering his offensive capabilities.
With Conte a man renowned for making his sides difficult to beat and demanding an incredible work-rate, Griezmann’s ability to affect play off the ball – he doubled his amount of tackles and interceptions per game last season – would be tailor made to the rigours and demands of the new Chelsea boss.