Chelsea FC: The Blues have sold Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid but they should have asked for star striker Antoine Griezmann in return for Costa.
Chelsea FC missed a great opportunity to sign French striker Antoine Griezmann in return for Diego Costa plus money.
Chelsea sold Costa for around £57m plus potential bonuses but they could’ve got a lot more from Madrid if they had asked for Griezmann.
The Blues could have offered around £20-30m plus Costa in order to acquire the talented French player.
The Chelsea FC board have been under a lot of scrutiny lately due to their failure to once again get key transfer targets. Last season they had to make two panic buys on deadline day to get defensive cover. This season they sold too many good young players and not bought enough for an upcoming Champions League challenge and to retain the Premier League title.
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The board could’ve gained the Coach’s, the players and the fans trust again if they got Griezmann. Besides from Eden Hazard Chelsea FC don’t really have world-class players and Griezmann is one of them.
The talented 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to Manchester United but Atletico are banned from purchasing players until Janurary. This meant that they weren’t too keen on selling Griezmann prior to this season as they couldn’t register a replacement for him.
Costa has been bought now but he won’t play until January but is allowed to train at the club until then.
While Manchester United fans may rejoice at the sale of Costa as it increases their chances of getting Griezmann in January. However, Griezmann has largely dampened those hopes early as he’s taken to social media welcoming Costa to the club and was clearly excited by the news stating “is coming home”.
Is coming hooome, Is coming hooome 🔴⚪️🎶🎶🎶
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) September 21, 2017
But Chelsea FC could have got revenge on Manchester United if they had got Griezmann. United managed to pip Chelsea to the purchase of Romelu Lukaku this season and United have long been admirers of Griezmann.
The Blues could have offered Costa and money although Atletico are said to be reluctant to sell Griezmann at any price. And as long as Diego Simeone is there, Griezmann stays as he’s a fan of the coach.
It’s not certain as to whether or not Chelsea FC inquired into the availability of Grizmann when dealing with Atletico over the Costa sale. But surely they sent a “oh by the way just wondering…” type of email.
Chelsea FC could have had Alvaro Morata, Griezmann and Eden Hazard up front which would’ve given Chelsea one of the best front three trios in the world.
Next: Chelsea pay cold tribute to Costa
But, as they say what’s done is done. Chelsea FC have done well to get £60m for Costa but if they had just paid a bit more I think they might have got Griezmann.