Chelsea Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Contact Made, John Terry Exit Rumours

Spirits at Stamford Bridge could be uplifted by the January signing of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, according to the latest reports, but a former Chelsea icon is gunning to lure captain John Terry away from the club.  

Spanish website Fichajes.net reported on Monday that Chelsea will go head-to-head with Premier League rivals Manchester United this winter after "making contact" to sign the £40 million Griezmann (h/t the Daily Star's Colin Harvey).

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The report stated the France international "is keen on a move to one of Europe's bigger clubs," but the Blues may struggle to tempt Europe's top talents if this season's struggles continue much longer.

One can see why Jose Mourinho's side are so interested in Griezmann after excelling over the past two campaigns and establishing his status as one of La Liga's finest finishers, per Bleacher Report's Rik Sharma:

The Atletico frontman has scored six goals in 12 appearances across all contests this season and is well on his way to eclipsing last season's career-best tally of 25 goals.

In contrast, Chelsea striker Diego Costa has just three goals in as many appearances this term and has encountered some criticism for his fiery temper, but recently, he told the Daily Mirror's Adrian Kajumba he won't change:

"

I have 100 per cent support from my manager, from the club and from the Chelsea fans. So other people, other opinions, I don’t care, I’m not really bothered. I will not change unless my manager or the people from my club or my supporters tell me so.

No, I don't need to change. Because I have done nothing wrong. During my football career, many, many times other players have done stuff to me, like kick me but I am not a cry baby.

"

It's ironic Chelsea's gaze is reported to have returned to the Vicente Calderon as they look to recruit the forward who replaced Costa last summer, presumably not content with their current option.

Atleti manager Diego Simeone won't want to lose another star to Chelsea's clutches, but should the player be tempted by the move as reported, any bid to retain Griezmann's services may be short-lived.

Sergei Chuzavkov/Associated Press

The future of club captain Terry is also in doubt after it emerged Al-Arabi manager Gianfranco Zola is interested in signing the centre-back when his contract expires at the end of this season.

According to the Daily Mirror's John Cross, the Qatari outfit will supposedly have to beat Turkish giants Fenerbahce and a host of Chinese outfits to the soon-to-be 35-year-old's signature.

Cross writes that Qatari clubs are attempting to recruit well-known names in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup, and Zola's side would be among those able to offer Terry a substantial payday.

The Blues have endured a horror start to the 2015-16 season and have been surprisingly leaky in defence, but Terry recently told BT Sport the squad is united following a 0-0 Champions League draw at Dynamo Kiev:

Chelsea have prolonged the veteran's 20-year stay at Stamford Bridge with one-year extensions in recent seasons, but Zola perhaps senses now is the time the west Londoners will finally cut ties with their stalwart.

While the Premier League may be proving a touch too fast for Terry these days, the Qatar Stars League could yet see Terry dazzle once again, and Zola is in a rush to offer the player a lucrative post-Chelsea career.