Chelsea FC targeting Antoine Griezmann is exciting news

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid shoots as he is challenged by Javier Mascherano of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Vincente Calderon on April 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid shoots as he is challenged by Javier Mascherano of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Vincente Calderon on April 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea FC are reportedly trailing Antoine Griezmann as club officials line up a mega bid for the Atletico Madrid striker. This is exciting news.

As the summer approaches, the transfer rumour mill is kicking into full gear. Chelsea FC are set for a major overhaul as Antonio Conte takes the reins with much activity expected. The latest player to be linked with a Stamford Bridge switch is in-form Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.

The Mirror reports that the Blues are putting together a lucrative bid for the Frenchman as they try to entice him to the Premier League.

"Chelsea are refusing to give up on signing Atletico Madrid marksman Antoine Griezmann…Chelsea are set to offer Griezmann a lucrative deal in a bid to tempt him away from Atletico this summer."

Griezmann has continued on his path to superstardom with another great campaign under Diego Simeone’s direction. After scoring 25 competitive goals last season, he has already hit the back of the net 29 times this time around. His efforts have been instrumental in Atletico’s progress to the Champions League semi-finals and their current title challenge.

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With the Blues set for wholesale changes over the summer, this news should excite supporters. Chelsea suffered from serious striking issues for the first half of the campaign, with a misfiring Diego Costa exposing the lack of depth in the goalscoring department.

Furthermore, with the likes of Eden Hazard failing to provide any sort of effective creative intent, the Blues were simply dead in the water.

Griezmann has proven himself to be proficient in both playmaking and scoring facets of the game. As a result, his arrival could solve a significant problem. While some may question whether he can replicate his performances in the Premier League, any Simeone player has enough experience of playing in an English style.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico celebrates his team's first goal with team mate Gabi during the UEFA Champions league Quarter Final Second Leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Vincente Calderon on April 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 13: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico celebrates his team’s first goal with team mate Gabi during the UEFA Champions league Quarter Final Second Leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Vincente Calderon on April 13, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Also, on the back of the seemingly disinterested and questionable attitudes of the current Blues, Griezmann should bring the hard-working and honest traits of Atletico to the squad.

However, there are many reasons to store this prospect away in the dream drawer. Atletico have now reached the point at which they no longer need to sell their best players. They can attract the world’s top talent and thus it would take an eye-watering offer to force an acceptance.

Meanwhile, from the player’s point of view, he would be leaving a Champions League-challenging side for one that will not be in it next season. Additionally, it is expected that Conte will need two seasons in order to restore Chelsea to the elite level from which they fell.

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At the age of 25, Griezmann has his best years ahead of him. Hence, Blues fans should be drooling over the prospect of him turning out at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, a deal just seems unlikely at the moment.