Chelsea Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Bid Planned Amid Eden Hazard Rumours

Chelsea are reported to have their sights set on Atletico Madrid once again with the news the Premier League giants will try to sign Antoine Griezmann as a replacement for Eden Hazard.

Griezmann has emerged as a standout star for Atletico since moving to the Vicente Calderon last summer, and Spanish outlet Fichajes reported Chelsea lead the hunt for his services (h/t Adam Skinner of the Daily Express).

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The France international is seen as the "ideal replacement for Hazard," whom Skinner mentions is being eyed by Real Madrid, a move Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is said to support.

David Cartlidge of beIN Sports noted similarities between Griezmann and Diego Costa, a man who made the move from Madrid to west London, following a recent star display against former club Real Sociedad:

Just as Hazard has been known to dazzle at Stamford Bridge, Griezmann has become a key part of Los Rojiblancos' puzzle over the past year, scoring a career-best 25 goals in his first campaign with Atletico.

Manager Diego Simeone couldn't help but express his disappointment Griezmann's form wasn't enough to warrant inclusion on the 2015 Ballon d'Or shortlist, per Squawka:

On the other hand, Hazard's form has dipped drastically this season, and speculation is beginning to grow that the former Lille starlet could move on from Stamford Bridge next year.

While swapping one for the other may once have been seen as a like-for-like exchange, Griezmann's game has adapted since making the switch to Madrid, adopting a more permanent reservation in the centre of attack.

Therefore, the idea of reverting to the wing may not seem all that appealing to the 24-year-old, who's had a taste of the prizes that come with playing up front, assuredly now seen as his best position.

But perhaps Chelsea may be opening up to the idea of cashing in on Hazard following his slow start to the season. Breathe Sport illustrated the irony of his decline while Stamford Bridge outcast Kevin De Bruyne excels at Manchester City:

"

De Bruyne this season: 8 games 5 goals 5 assists Hazard this season: 13 games 0 goals 2 assists pic.twitter.com/mFcj8YJhkW

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) October 22, 2015"

The fees involved with the two players are likely to change substantially in the months to come. Skinner stated Chelsea would be looking to get £40 million for Hazard, which seems low considering the player has four years remaining on his contract and arrived in England for £32 million.

French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Jesus Balseiro of Spanish daily AS) claimed Hazard "sees himself at Real Madrid come June," which would presumably open a space for the big-money acquisition of Griezmann.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Radamel Falcao's loan spell at Chelsea will be over by that point, leaving Costa and Loic Remy as the competition for a striking spot. Griezmann enjoys free rein in attack under Simeone.

Los Rojiblancos have Jackson Martinez and Fernando Torres as backup to their central star, but the idea of losing another prized asset to Chelsea after Costa and Filipe Luis is likely to be treated with hostility.