Chelsea Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Offer Readied, Fraser Forster Rumours

Chelsea will reportedly attempt to lure Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann to Stamford Bridge by offering him a "lucrative deal," and they are considering Southampton's Fraser Forster as a possible replacement for Thibaut Courtois. 

According to the Mirror's Darren Lewis, the Blues are "refusing to give up" on Griezmann and will help raise funds for the offer by moving Radamel Falcao, Loic Remy and Alexandre Pato off their wage bill.

The Frenchman is likely to attract plenty of attention this summer with 29 goals and six assists to his name in 46 appearances this season. As OptaJose revealed, he has a habit of not only scoring frequently but bagging vital goals as well:

In La Liga, the forward has stood out as the most prolific goalscorer after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, per Squawka Football:

Here are some of his many highlights this season:

As the video demonstrates, Griezmann capitalises fully on his electric pace and intelligent movement thanks to his impressive finishing, and he can provide a threat from set pieces as well.

Per Squawka Football, former Premier League star Rio Ferdinand is among his many admirers:

Football writer Liam Canning expects him to leave the Vicente Calderon this summer and perhaps trade places with Diego Costa:

However, according to Lewis the Blues are hoping to keep hold of Costa. Further, former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin cannot understand why his compatriot would leave Atletico. Per Lewis, he said:

"

To leave when Atletico play in the Champions League every year, fight in La Liga with Barcelona and Real Madrid and he plays every game wouldn’t make sense.

I wouldn’t understand why you’d leave to have more competition at another club. Atletico is a great club and I wouldn’t think of leaving in the summer.

Loyalty is important to Griezmann, and if you’re already playing for a great club, why leave?

"

Indeed, Griezmann—who has kept Los Rojiblancos firmly in the title race and fired them into the final four of the UEFA Champions League—has many reasons to stay put, though the Premier League and its riches will always provide an allure.

Unless Chelsea are willing to use former Atletico striker Costa as part of their offer to sign him, it may be very difficult to prise him away this summer.

Meanwhile, Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reported Chelsea "will demand at least £55 million" for Courtois if Real Madrid or any other suitor come knocking but are identifying potential replacements just in case, with Forster among those on the list.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

The England international was given little chance to shine at Newcastle United but after joining Southampton from Celtic, he has proved himself as one of the league's most reliable goalkeepers.

He spent the majority of this campaign out with a knee injury, but as Squawka Football revealed, he made an instant and dramatic impact on his return:

Of the realistic candidates Chelsea could recruit to replace Courtois, Forster is undoubtedly one of the best, and despite his importance to the Saints, he wouldn't cost nearly as much as the Blues would receive for the Belgian.

If Chelsea do end up requiring the services of a new No. 1 this summer, it wouldn't at all be surprising if they turn to Forster.