Chelsea Transfer News: John Stones, Antoine Griezmann Raids Approved by Owner

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has approved expensive raids for Everton defender John Stones and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann following the Blues' struggles in their first two matches of the season.

According to David Woods and Paul Brown of the Daily Star, Abramovich will allow "up to £35 million" for the Englishman and £21 million for the Frenchman, adding "the Blues had been expected to bid £30 million for Stones, but the poor start has seen them opt to bump up the offer."

Chelsea drew their opening fixture at home to Garry Monk's vibrant Swansea City, before being soundly beaten 3-0 by title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Blues are so far yet to sign a player who can challenge for a starting berth while everyone is fit this summer, with the likes of Asmir Begovic, Radamel Falcao and Baba Rahman arriving largely as cover.

Up front, Chelsea have relatively little firepower beyond Diego Costa, with Falcao and Loic Remy the only senior alternatives to the 26-year-old.

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Falcao is certainly a risk as the striker appears to be firmly in decline, scoring just four goals for Manchester United last season, while Remy is a competent third choice but not nearly prolific enough to lead the line for a title-challenging side.

Therefore, Griezmann would make an excellent addition to Chelsea's squad.

The 24-year-old scored 25 goals and registered six assists in all competitions last season, and would be capable of challenging for a place either as a striker or as one of Chelsea's attacking midfield three.

As WhoScored.com note, the France international is powerful in the air and a ruthless finisher:

Sports writer Jonas Giaever and Spanish football expert Sid Lowe are fans of Griezmann:

Unfortunately for Chelsea, as the Frenchman's stock soars ever higher, even a bid of £21 million seems rather low in today's market.

For someone as prolific as Griezmann, Abramovich may have to offer far more.

As for Stones, an improved bid could ease Everton's resistance to the move.

The Toffees have thus far turned down two bids from Chelsea for the youngster's services.

Manager Roberto Martinez said, per the Press Association's Carl Markham (via the Daily Mail): "I have said before the player is not for sale and that is the end of it. Our situation has been very clear from the beginning. We are not a selling club who will lose our best performers."

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However, with Chelsea set to up the ante with a £35 million offer, typically cash-strapped Everton may be tempted to acquiesce.

As Brown and Woods note in their report, Blues captain John Terry was substituted by Mourinho for the first time in the defeat to City—after just 45 minutes.

Though Terry was outstanding last season, Stones would add some much-needed youth and vibrancy to Chelsea's back line, and represents an excellent long-term acquisition.

Should Everton accept the bid, they will need to act fast to bring in a suitable replacement with time running out in the transfer window.