Chelsea Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann 'Interested,' Latest Blues Rumours

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is "interested" in a potential move to Chelsea, according to Darren Lewis of the Mirror.

It is suggested the Spanish club will increase Griezmann's current buyout clause of £43.5 million in an attempt to ensure he doesn't depart for a low fee. Either way, Lewis' report indicates Griezmann may consider a future at Stamford Bridge.

This signing would likely impact speculation currently linking Liverpool's Raheem Sterling with a move to the west London club, per Lewis.

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Griezmann has exceeded expectations this season, racking up an impressive 22 La Liga goals during his debut year with the Rojiblancos, per WhoScored.com. Diego Simeone has utilised the 24-year-old on both flanks, through the centre and in attacking midfield, where his pace and technical quality have come to the fore.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho signed Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from Atletico last summer, so he is becoming something of a pest for the club's top players. Griezmann is used to working for the team under Simeone's tutelage, something Mourinho would undoubtedly expect if he heads to the Premier League champions.

Interestingly, Lewis suggests Jorge Mendes—the agent of Mourinho and Griezmann—could have an important role to play in the scenario.

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This notion reappears in Chelsea's recent link with Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, who has disappointed while on loan at Manchester United this season. Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail believes Falcao "has been offered" to Chelsea, who are yet to decide on handing Didier Drogba a one-year contract extension.

Mendes is "trying to whip up interest in the forward," according to Ashton. Falcao has netted just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils this season.

Falcao's reported wages of £220,000 per week currently outweigh the money earned by any Chelsea player—including star man Eden Hazard and long-serving captain John Terry—so this could pose a problem, which is hinted at by Ashton.

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After such a dismal first season in England, it will take a brave club to invest in Falcao. His goalscoring quality has disappeared, as has his physical hold-up play and ability to bring others into proceedings. The Colombian is still working hard, and nobody can fault his effort, but he's yet to regain sharpness after last year's serious knee injury.

B/R UK's Garry Hayes recently discussed who he would sign to improve an already successful Chelsea lineup:

Griezmann seems like Chelsea material, but Mourinho would likely have to sacrifice the immediate balance of his team to fit him in. Willian would likely be pushed to the bench, while Oscar could be sold, per Lewis. This would initially make Chelsea's forward line less combative while the Frenchman adjusts.

Only the most optimistic of onlookers will suggest Falcao is worth a punt, especially considering his recent record and wages. Mourinho is capable of rejuvenating the career of seemingly finished players—just look at Terry's season—but Falcao's inability to return to full fitness makes him an undeniable risk. As we've seen throughout his career, Mourinho isn't one to take unnecessary chances.