Real Madrid Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Raid Eyed Amid Man United Rumours

Real Madrid want to steal Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid amid interest from Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal.

According to talkSPORT, Spanish sources believe new Los Blancos coach Rafael Benitez wants to pair Griezmann with international team-mate Karim Benzema to form a devastating French front-line attack for his team.

The three clubs have been long-term admirers of the Calderon star player, tracking him before his move to Atleti in 2014, per talkSPORT.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Griezmann signed for the then-La Liga champions from Real Sociedad, and he has thrived under coach Diego Simeone.

The 24-year-old would bring a different style of attack to Madrid's side, as he has the ability to hold up the ball and play a more traditional Benitez tactical style. 

He has added goals to his game since his move to the Spanish capital, scoring 24 goals in 34 La Liga and European starts for his club last season, according to WhoScored.com.

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

But the English clubs will battle hard for the player as they look to add genuine quality to their attacks. 

Spanish magazine Don Balon (h/t Metro) said the Galacticos want to add Arsenal player Alexis Sanchez to their star-spangled squad with a £37.3 million offer in the pipeline, with Russian winger Denis Cheryshev moving to north London as part of the deal.

However, a surprise exit from Sanchez would leave Arsenal with a huge hole in their attack—which Griezmann could potentially fill. 

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

But Atletico president Enrique Cerezo denied in the summer he will sell Griezmann anytime soon, telling Radio4G (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPNFC.co.uk): "[Griezmann is] un-transferrable. Nobody should doubt that, because Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Angel Gil will spare no expense to be able to make a great team."

But Real will be displeased with the Atletico striker after he was recently paired with Benzema for France, with Griezmann accidentally injuring the Madrid player in a goal celebration. Football writer Rafael Hernandez said his club coach Simeone would not be too displeased with the outcome:

Griezmann has matured into one of Europe's best talents, and his development is not yet complete despite his rise in stock in the last year.

He is a diverse talent who brings the best out of others, and his qualities make him the kind of attacker Benitez loves. 

The long-term future of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. is constantly questioned in the media, forcing Benitez to round off his options in attack as he looks to win trophies in quick succession. 

However, if the Frenchman decides to become Real's next star signing, the hatred from the Calderon will be loud and clear as he swaps his Colchoneros strip for the famous white shirt.