Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Antoine Griezmann and John Stones Rumours

Chelsea face an uphill battle to acquire their primary targets in the current transfer window after receiving disappointing news about potential deals for Antoine Griezmann and John Stones.

Jorge Garcia of AS says Atletico Madrid have "significantly" increased forward Griezmann's buyout clause, while handing the Frenchman a rise in wages. However, the Madrid club have opted to not extend the player's current contract, which runs until 2020.

Garcia states Griezmann's original buyout clause stood at €65 million, with any increase on this figure surely taking the player out of Chelsea's hands, with Bayern Munich also said to be interested. 

MIchel Euler/Associated Press

Griezmann also hinted in recent times he is happy to remain at the Calderon, per Alex Harris of the Daily Star, despite Chelsea's reported interest:

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I want to thank the fans for all their support. I wanted to do my best and I did the best I could. We will give everything to have a good pre-season and be prepared for big matches and the Champions League. I want to score as many goals as I did this season, or more, next season.

"

Jose Mourinho also commented on the attacker in June, and despite calling the attacker great, he played down any probable approach, per Harris: "Griezmann is a great striker but is not within our objectives to strengthen the squad for next season."

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Griezmann was highly successful in his first campaign with Atleti, scoring a hatful of goals for the disposed league champions. 

The attacker played 46 times in La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 24 goals in the process, per WhoScored.com.

Griezmann has continued his fine form throughout pre-season, as highlighted by AtleticoFans:

Chelsea to Lose Stones to United?

Everton might not be the most willing of sellers, but Manchester United will now test Chelsea's resolve to get their man after making John Stones one of their central targets. 

Sean Kearns of Metro says United will gazump Chelsea by throwing Jonny Evans in the deal for Stones, as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his brittle defence.

Kearns says Everton boss Roberto Martinez has already inquired about Evans' availability, who has dramatically fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford over the past year. The Blues have already had two bids declined for the England prospect, and as Chelsea play hardball for the defender, United look set to move in. 

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe gave his opinion about the hype surrounding Stones and says the player is not ready for the step up in class at Chelsea:

Losing Stones would be devastating for Mourinho, who surely sees the player as John Terry's long-term replacement at the heart of his defence. 

Stones is one of the top young defensive talents in European football, and he has consistently impressed when selected by Martinez. 

Griezmann would be a superb Chelsea capture, but they are going to have to pay a huge figure to grab the Frenchman. The attacker showed he has added maturity to his game in 2014-15, leading the line for Atleti, and he would be perfectly suited to add variation for the Blues alongside former Calderon favourite Diego Costa.