European football’s biggest clubs are set for a transfer battle after Diego Simeone confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann has been a long-term target for Manchester United and in recent months it has been reported that Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also keen on signing the French forward.
Sky Sports reports that Griezmann is not expected to leave in the January transfer window, but Atletico boss Simeone said he would not hold him back if the 26-year-old wanted to move clubs.
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Speaking to l’Equipe, Simeone said: “Of course Griezmann will be able to leave at some point, the same way [Diego] Costa and Arda Turan were allowed to leave. I love my players a lot and I love to see them grow. I am not ungrateful.
“If a player comes to me and says: ‘Coach, I have a once in a lifetime chance to play for a certain team, I want to leave’.
“If he did all he could for me as Griezmann does, I’ll say it’s no problem. I know that he needs to grow.”
So which club will sign Griezmann? Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague believes it will be between United and Barcelona.
“Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid want him,” said Balague. “I don’t think he has agreed anything with any club yet. Atletico have spoken to Barcelona about Griezmann but, again, nothing has been agreed.
“The destination will be decided by Griezmann and Griezmann alone. He is open to all of those possibilities. At this moment in time, I feel Manchester United and Barcelona are ahead of the other suitors.”
Antoine Griezmann next club betting odds
- Manchester United 6/4
- Real Madrid 3/1
- PSG 10/3
Paddy Power Griezmann to sign for before 3 February 2018
- Man Utd 7/2
- Barcelona 9/2
- PSG 16/1
- Man City 16/1
- Chelsea 16/1
- Real Madrid 20/1
- Bayern Munich 20/1
- Liverpool 33/1
- Arsenal 33/1
- Tottenham 50/1
- Barcelona 10/1
- Manchester United 14/1
- Arsenal 20/1
- PSG 25/1
- Chelsea 33/1
- To leave Atletico Madrid 7/1
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