How likely is Manchester United’s reported £86million deal for Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann?

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The Independent have stunned many in Spain and England by claiming that Antoine Griezmann has reached an agreement with Manchester United over his wage and squad number, meaning that all that is left to complete the deal is for the Red Devils to come to an agreement with Atletico Madrid over a transfer fee. That is likely to be the buy-out clause in the Frenchman’s contract, which currently stands at €100 million, equating to £86 million in current exchange rates. Such a deal would see a repeat of the move which brought his international teammate Paul Pogba to the club last summer.

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What would he bring to Manchester United?

Goals, pace and skill. Griezmann has averaged more than a goal every two games for Atletico since joining the club from Real Sociedad and that in part is down to his instinct and superb finishing in front of goal. It is hard to see how he would fit in with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, likely playing on his left or making runs in behind him, but the 25-year-old has shown that he has no problem adapting to new circumstances throughout his career. The only question mark about Griezmann would be whether he is up to the physicality of the Premier League given his slight figure.

How likely are these rumours to be accurate?

Quite likely. The Independent is usually a reliable source and the rumour has quickly been picked up on by a number of other outlets too. Atletico have underperformed in La Liga this season and currently look as though they may struggle to even qualify for the Champions League, with Diego Simeone said to be set to depart the club in 2018. It seems like the stadium move could be the perfect time for Griezmann to take a bow and signal a new era by leaving the club. He is said to be keen on a deal, and Atleti wouldn’t entertain the idea of a January exit due to a transfer ban, so it’s possible.

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Verdict

7/10 – Griezmann is in demand, especially at United, and is expected to depart Madrid at some point in the near future. To claim that he has already agreed terms may be jumping the gun slightly, but Old Trafford certainly seems his most likely destination.

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