Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Antoine Griezmann and Carlos Bacca Rumours

Chelsea have reportedly seen their chances of signing Antoine Griezmann boosted after Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone announced his contract with the club had been shortened. Elsewhere, AC Milan are said to be offering Carlos Bacca in exchange for Cesc Fabregas.

Pete Jenson of MailOnline reported Atletico are concerned about the long-term future of key stars like Griezmann after Simeone confirmed his contract at the Vicente Calderon will now expire in 2018, instead of 2020.

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Chelsea have been one of the most frequently linked Premier League outfits to Griezmann, and Simeone's potentially earlier departure from the helm may tempt some players to consider their options.

The France international has scored four goals and registered one assist in his last three games for Atleti, and he recently featured as inspiration in his side's 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League:

However, Chelsea only added striker Michy Batshuayi to their ranks this past summer, meaning the future of former Atletico striker Diego Costa could have a big hand in deciding how seriously the Blues chase Griezmann.

Griezmann may decide to capitalise on his current good form with a move to the Premier League rather than wait for Simeone's exit, and ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan pointed out the Frenchman's rapid rise of late:

Simeone also paid tribute to Griezmann's major ascent since moving to Spain's capital in 2014, and he told the media his star deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or following Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Sporting Gijon:

"For me he was the best player in Europe last season. I am in absolutely no doubt about what I am saying. He scored a lot of goals in the league Liga and I hope that he goes from strength to strength. I really hope he is shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or. He's got an amazing future ahead of him."

One other potential indicator regarding Griezmann's future at the Vicente Calderon is the fact he recently split from his agent in favour of being represented by his father, per L'Equipe (h/t the Mirror's Ed Malyon).

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Meanwhile, AC Milan are reportedly ready to sell Bacca to the Blues in 2017 if it means they can get their hands on outcast midfielder Fabregas in return.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato (h/t Metro's Mark Brus) reported the Rossoneri are ready to offer Bacca in exchange for Fabregas' services, and BT Sport's Adam Summerton had high praise for Milan's star after he was recently dropped:

Manager Vincenzo Montella benched the Colombian for Saturday's clash against Sampdoria in favour of Gianluca Lapadula, but Bacca nevertheless proved his mettle with a goal after coming on.

Fabregas is yet to start in the Premier League under new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, and with the likes of Oscar, Nemanja Matic and N'Golo Kante preferred by the Italian, Fabregas may be deemed surplus to requirements.