Report: Griezmann informs Atletico he wants to leave

Antoine Griezmann told Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy that he wants to leave the club, according to recent reports (Spanish) and it looks like the French striker could be on his way out of Atletico Madrid. Antonio Ruiz, who broke the news, also says that Atletico know they have a problem and they don’t know how to stop Griezmann.

Manchester United are the most likely destination as they mull over a €100 million move for the striker. Reports also suggest that the price won’t be an issue even if Enrique Cerezo says he doesn’t think anyone will pay it.

The mixed messages the 26-year-old has been sending, however, leave many with the feeling that he could change his mind again and do another u-turn. It does feel like he has burned too many bridges at the club and amongst Atletico’s fanbase to turn around and say he wants to stay now though. He seems to have annoyed, amongst others, Saul Niguez, who says that “he is a very important player for us, we know the quality he has, but most importantly no one player is above the club,” with more than a little salt sprinkled over the entire conversation.

The TAS transfer appeal verdict is coming down the line and Atletico might be moved to buy big in order to continue to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga and the rest in Europe. Many believed that this would be enough to convince Griezmann but the recent news suggests his mind is made up.

Diego Costa, for the first time in a long time, feels like a realistic option after he said he would only leave Chelsea for a return to Madrid and would be accompanied by Sandro and Alexandre Lacazette. Their deals seem to be in the advanced stages.

Griezmann posted a picture of himself and Alexandre Lacazette on Instagram at France training before the news of the transfer request came in but it’s just another day and chapter in the saga that threatens to spill into the middle of the summer if it’s not sorted out soon.