Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for Antoine Griezmann, as the Frenchman endures a complicated time at Atletico Madrid.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal could make an approach to sign Antoine Griezmann in January. The 31-year-old Frenchman’s time at Atletico Madrid is entering complicated zones, as the Spanish giants are unwilling to activate the purchase clause in their deal with Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann’s career has entered troubled waters ever since he made a big move to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid. After enduring a loss of form after signing for the Catalan giants, questions have been asked if the transfer was worth its money.
Griezmann has since returned to Atletico Madrid, signing a two-year loan deal last summer. The deal gives Los Rojiblancos the option to buy the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, which could turn into an obligation worth €40 million if specific parameters are met about playing time.
The report claims that Atletico Madrid will have to pay €40 million and take Griezmann permanently if the 31-year-old Frenchman is to play at least 30 minutes in 50 per cent of the games. Despite earlier reports stating otherwise, the directors at the Wanda Metropolitano are not keen on triggering the clause, as they may not see value in the permanent transfer.
The patterns in his playing time this season indicate the same. Griezmann has played exactly 29 minutes in two clashes against Getafe and Villarreal this term, as Atletico Madrid’s stance is becoming increasingly more evident.
More importantly, Griezmann needs to play regularly as the player wants to arrive in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a good run of form, as France will be eager to defend their title. However, there is far less time left in the current window to find a solution regarding the Frenchman’s future.
Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for the French attacker, although the reasons for Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of the player remain unknown. Signing the 31-year-old will contrast the Gunners’ transfer policy in recent windows.
Arsenal have been previously interested in Griezmann, with the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner even famously quoting how he would never join the Gunners. That was in a different era, and the north London club have taken a different approach since Arteta took over as their manager.
Arsenal remain on the hunt for quality stars, but they is unlikely to sign Griezmann in this window or the next. Taking the Frenchman’s age into account, there is also the financial implication of a transfer fee and huge wages; not many will see the Gunners going for Griezmann.
The player himself may not find the links appealing, as he would be focused on solving the current dilemma and figuring out a way to play regularly. There could still be time in the window to fund a solution, although it does look likely that Griezmann will remain at Atletico for the foreseeable future.
