Report: Atlético looking toward London for Griezmann replacement

Diego Costa’s recent spat with Antonio Conte had one thing written all over it, even beyond all the talk of China and Costa himself trying to ease tensions with an Instagram post encouraging his teammates as they faced Leicester on Saturday. That one thing was that Atlético Madrid would eventually be linked.

There is reason to believe the recent report by Miguel Delaney from The Indepenent, too - aside from the fact that he is a good journalist. Atlético have been waiting for Costa to return ever since he left for Chelsea two and a half years ago. The club openly courted him in the summer but were forced to settle for Kévin Gameiro after the Quixotic hunt for the 28-year-old failed.

One of the only problems with this ending becomi a happy one for Atlético is the interest from Barcelona. According to the report, the Catalans are interested in his services as they look to, possibly, alter the famed MSN. How much weight they hold in negotiations against Atleti, however, remains to be seen.

In spite of the transfer ban, Antoine Griezmann continues to be linked with a transfer to Manchester United. The club will need to bring in a big name, and plenty of goals, to replace the Frenchman should he leave in the summer.

Enter Diego Costa. This could really be happening.