Chelsea Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann Door Open, Gonzalo Higuain, Top Rumours

Chelsea have been given a boost in their reported pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann as there is a "doubt" over whether the Frenchman will remain at the Vicente Calderon. 

Per Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, though Griezmann is not "rushing to leave" Atleti, he is not going to make a decision on his future until he has assessed any offers that arrive for him. 

Chelsea have long been linked with the 25-year-old as they look to boost their attacking options, and it was recently reported that they are prepared to offer him "a lucrative deal in a bid to tempt him away from Atletico this summer," per the Mirror's Darren Lewis.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, though, has questioned whether Griezmann would want a move to Stamford Bridge given that Chelsea will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season:

Conversely, Atleti could return to Europe's top club competition in 2016-17 as defending champions—they face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of this year's tournament—while they are also still very much in the hunt for La Liga title.

Along with Atleti's seemingly impenetrable defence, Griezmann has been key for Diego Simeone's side this season, netting 26 goals and providing six assists in the Champions League and La Liga, per WhoScored.com.

Chelsea are crying out for a player with such a return following a campaign in which they have failed miserably to defend their Premier League title.

Eden Hazard has hardly fired—he netted his first top-flight goals of the season on Saturday—and up front the Blues have been overly reliant on Diego Costa, as Radamel Falcao, Loic Remy and Alexandre Pato have not been good enough.

Bringing in Griezmann would go a long way to solving Chelsea's attacking problems, but they will have to offer Atleti a hefty transfer fee and the French international very attractive terms if they are to pull off the signing.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have also been given a boost in their reported pursuit of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Falcao, Remy and Pato could all leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the Colombian reportedly having had an offer to join AS Roma after Chelsea told him he has no future at Stamford Bridge, per the Mirror's John Cross.

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Chelsea desperately need a new out-and-out striker, and Napoli legend Diego Maradona believes Higuain will be available this summer, per Piuenne TV (via FourFourTwo):

"I know [Napoli president Aurelio] De Laurentiis, and I think he will sell Higuain. [Higuain] gave his best to Napoli, I don't think he can repeat this kind of form. We already saw it happen with [Ezequiel] Lavezzi. With the money he will earn, he will have to build a great team."

Indeed, the Argentinian striker will not come cheap with the Daily Star's Jamie Styles reporting he is rated at around £70 million.

He has earned such a tag, though, with the 28-year-old having netted 30 goals in 32 Serie A appearances so far this season, per WhoScored.

While Chelsea may not be prepared to shell out £70 million for a player nearing his 30s, he could be a brilliant addition to the side, and the Blues should be open to making a move for him if he does become available.