Chelsea 'In the Background' in Race to Sign Antoine Griezmann This Summer

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Antoine Griezmann's situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Barcelona and Manchester United are the leading contenders for the Atletico Madrid striker's signature but the Blues are "in the background," keeping an eye on developments (h/t Sport Witness' Tom Coast).

The Frenchman has a €100 million (£88 million) buyout clause in his contract, and Atleti would most likely accept nothing less. It should come down to Griezmann's preference and the contracts on offer should more than one club come in for him.

Despite a disappointing start to the season, the 27-year-old has managed to rack up 27 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

The UEFA Europa League's official Twitter account hailed him when he netted against Arsenal on Thursday:

As well as being a potent goalscorer, Griezmann is an excellent creator in the final third and also possesses a remarkable work ethic, particularly for someone of his position and star status.

Football journalist Kieran Canning believes the France international's first choice will likely be Barcelona but that a Premier League move would not be far behind:

It would be a significant coup for Chelsea if they were to land him ahead of United, but after recruiting Alvaro Morata last summer and Olivier Giroud in January, it seems unlikely the Blues will be adding to their centre-forward options in the upcoming transfer window.

Morata has not had the smoothest transition to life at Stamford Bridge, but he has nevertheless accrued 15 goals and six assists in all contests.

ESPN FC's Liam Twomey expects the former Real Madrid man to hit new heights next year too:

Meanwhile, Giroud has impressed since he made the switch from Arsenal with four goals and three assists in the Premier League and FA Cup combined.

Between the two, the Blues are well-stocked in the position, particularly if Morata is able to kick on next year.

Unless Chelsea lose a player such as Eden Hazard this summer, adding another forward into the mix would likely only alienate their other attackers.