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Chelsea contemplating big name Pedro replacement- would be bad news for Manchester United

By Rucker Haringey

CLAIREFONTAINE, FRANCE - MARCH 20: French Football Team forward Antoine Griezmann during the training session on March 20, 2017 in Clairefontaine, France. The training session comes before the upcoming qualifying match against Luxembourg next saturday for the 2018 World Cup. (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images)
CLAIREFONTAINE, FRANCE - MARCH 20: French Football Team forward Antoine Griezmann during the training session on March 20, 2017 in Clairefontaine, France. The training session comes before the upcoming qualifying match against Luxembourg next saturday for the 2018 World Cup. (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea are contemplating a summer swoop for Antoine Griezmann

Antonio Conte has been very effusive in his praise for Pedro’s play at Chelsea this season, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to try to upgrade the position this summer. In fact, the Blues are thinking of moving in for Manchester United’s top summer transfer target.

The Independent reports that Chelsea are considering activating Griezmann’s summer release clause. Earlier in the week, Atletico manager Diego Simeone revealed his concern that his star attacker might leave. The public acknowledgment of the release clause immediately put United on high-alert, and has done the same for Chelsea.

At first glance, spending a massive sum to replace Pedro wouldn’t make much sense for Conte’s club. After all, the Spanish attacker has been excellent this season. He’s experienced a career renaissance of sorts. Pedro has scored a very respectable seven goals, and added seven assists in 25 league matches.

The reality is that he’s already 29-years-old. Given his age, and the amount of football he’s already played in his career, his performance will likely decline soon. Purchasing a talented replacement for him this summer would be a prudent move for the club.

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If Chelsea are committed to buying a new winger, Griezmann is obviously an excellent target. He’s been special for Atletico Madrid this year. He’s found the back of the net for Simeone’s squad 14 times in 27 La Liga starts. Losing him would be a critical blow to the Spanish giants.

In many ways, Griezmann would be the perfect summer addition for Chelsea. Imaging the Blues’ attack with Eden Hazard on one wing and Griezmann on the other. Add a top quality striker and Conte would have one of the most feared front threes in Europe.

Griezmann’s time at Atletico would also uniquely prepare him to thrive under Conte. Simeone requires his attackers to play tough, defensive football when the time calls for it. It’s a philosophy very similar to what Conte requires. The learning curve for Griezmann would be exceedingly short.

Next: Griezmann on verge of Manchester United move

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have every reason to sign Antoine Griezmann this summer. He won’t be a cheap acquisition, but he can provide either club with a world-class attacker to strike fear in the hearts of opposing defenders.

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