Real Madrid are reportedly set to make a move for Antoine Griezmann if Gareth Bale completes his transfer to Manchester United in the summer.
Spanish publication Don Balon claim Real Madrid will pursue a move for a Manchester United target – Antoine Griezmann – in the summer transfer window, if Gareth Bale completes a switch to Old Trafford.
Bale has long been considered as one of the best players in the world, having been an integral component for Real Madrid for the last four seasons.
The Welshman has also been part of one of the most fearsome attacking trios off all time – the BBC – alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema and the three have gone on to torment defensive units over the years.
Injuries have hindered Bale from playing football as regularly as he would have liked to in the last two seasons, but he has still produced some magnificent numbers. The 27-year-old has only managed to notch up 29 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, bagging 9 goals and 5 assists.
However, despite committing his long-term future to Real Madrid earlier this season, recent reports have suggested that Bale could be on his way out of the Spanish capital in the summer. Should that happen, Manchester United are reportedly his next destination.
Jose Mourinho is believed to be scouting attacking players to add to his squad after being left frustrated by his side’s struggles in front of goal. Bale is a player who will come with a proven goalscoring record over the last few seasons and, thus, be a valuable addition at Old Trafford.
However, if Manchester United manage to complete the big money move for Bale in the summer transfer window, their efforts to sign another one of their hot targets – Antoine Griezmann – are likely to be jeopardised.
Therefore, any move for Bale is likely to put an end to Manchester United’s pursuit of Griezmann, in which case Real Madrid will attempt to secure the services of the Frenchman.
Griezmann is another player plying his trade in the Spanish capital who is regarded as one of the finest attacking players in Europe. In fact, the France international has turned into Atletico Madrid’s talisman in the last two seasons, scoring 56 goals while also providing 18 assists in 106 appearances over the period.
Manchester United have been following his progress for a long time now, and have been heavily linked with a move for him in the summer. But Real Madrid, too, have been considering a potential swoop for Griezmann, despite the fact that he plays for their fierce city rivals.
However, as they have shown in their pursuit of Theo Hernandez, Los Blancos do not have any inhibitions while targeting players from Atletico. And it goes without saying that a player like Griezmann will prove to be a top notch replacement for Bale at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It now remains to be seen if Manchester United succeed in their pursuit of Bale and, if so, the transfer leads to Real Madrid replacing the Welshman with Griezmann.
