Bayern Munich want Griezmann next season...whatever the cost
According to German paper Bild, Atlético Madrid's French striker is at the top of the Bundesliga giant's target list and they've not ruled out paying the release clause.
Senior figures at Bayern Munich have accepted that the current playing squad is settled as they aim for continued dominance in the Bundesliga as well as pushing once again for Champions League success. However, a key target has been identified for next season...Atlético Madrid's Antoine Griezmann. This is the story coming from German news outlet Bild.
Bayern target new star in Griezmann
According to these reports, there is an appreciation that club stars Robben (34) and Ribery (35) are already in the twilight of their careers and so a new hero is needed. The World Cup winner is seen by the club as the best striker in European football right now although, if the move proves to be impossible, an alternative has been identified in the form of Juventus' creative maestro, Paulo Dybala.
President of the Bundesliga champions, Uni Hoeness, is very aware that the type of outlay that would be required for the Frenchman is not feasible in this window, and the plan is therefore to wait until next summer when significant funds will be made available. Griezmann, who seemed to be on the verge of joining LaLiga rivals Barcelona before the summer tournament in Russia, has recently renewed his contract with the Rojiblancos.
Griezmann's 200-million-euro release clause
As well as a bumper pay package, the contract includes a release clause of 200 million euros, a figure that has not been ruled out by Bayern. But just like the challenge that Barça faced, the player needs to be convinced to make the move. A lot may depend on what happens this season for Diego Simeone's men after much investment in the squad - one that won the Europa League and finished second in LaLiga - has raised expectations to new heights.
