Arsenal are in talks to sign Antoinne Griezmann from Real Sociedad in a cut-price deal. The winger has a €30million release clause, but Arsenal are confident of signing him for around half that figure – a fee that would prove to be a bargain. Reports in Spain from MundoDeportivo suggest the Gunners are already in advanced talks with the Spanish outfit.
Arsenal have the option to sign Griezmann’s teammate Carlos Vela for just €4million due to a buy-back clause. Soceidad are desperate to remove this clause from the Mexican’s contract, with several clubs willing to spend in excess of €20million for the forward. Arsene Wenger appears to be reluctant to bring back Vela though, but wants to take advantage of the buy-back clause the Gunners have. Arsenal have a well-documented interest in Griezmann and it is thought the Gunners are trying to sign the French forward for just €16million, if they remove the clause in Vela’s contract.
Sociedad would like to keep hold of both players, but Griezmann has a €30million buy-out clause, a clause which several clubs would be willing to activate this summer. If Sociedad choose to sell Griezmann to Arsenal, it would ensure that they could keep hold of one of their star forward in Vela. If the Spanish club don’t agree to the deal they could see both their stars leave for a combined €34million due to release clauses – something they will not be keen on happening.
PSG also hold a heavy interest in Griezmann who has plenty of admirers around Europe after an impressive season. The French winger would provide Arsenal with plenty of goals and assists from the left side of midfield and give the team some much-needed width.
Would you prefer to see Vela or Griezmann join Arsenal this summer? – as it seems one of them will. Comment below.
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Photo via Oscar Alonso Algote