Antoine Griezmann Rumoured to Stay at Atletico Madrid Next Season

Antoine Griezmann will reportedly not leave Atletico Madrid at the end of this season, with Manchester United said to be keeping a close eye on the former Real Sociedad man. 

That's according to F.J. Diaz of AS, who reports Atletico are preparing to spend significantly during the summer transfer window, depending on whether or not their transfer ban is lifted. That and assurances manager Diego Simeone is also staying should be enough to keep him in the Spanish capital.

Per the report, United are preparing a move for the 25-year-old, as well as a contract that would pay him roughly the same as compatriot Paul Pogba. 

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Griezmann is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world, and the France international has been extensively linked with a move to United, per ESPN FC (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star).

Rumours intensified during the January transfer window, with plenty of pundits suggesting an official announcement was but a formality. More reports questioning whether the transfer will take place have surfaced since, however.

Earlier on Monday, Miguel Delaney of The Independent reported United have turned their attention to Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski as alternative targets, as a move for Griezmann is becoming ever more complicated.

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The forward has a buy-out clause in his contract―as does every player in La Liga―but Spain's tax laws mean triggering such a clause isn't as easy as it might seem. Atletico are also moving into a new stadium next season and currently have a transfer ban, two factors making the Rojiblancos even more reluctant to sell.

Griezmann has always spoken very highly of Simeone, and as long as the Argentinian stays with Atletico, the Rojiblancos likely have a good chance of keeping their star.

But if United do trigger Griezmann's clause during the summer, he may find it difficult to say no to the massive wages the Red Devils could propose in negotiations. Few clubs in football can match the Premier League giants on a financial level, and United have shown a willingness to spend big in the last few years.