Turkish journalist Ekrem Konour has claimed that not only are Al-Ittihad interested in Manchester United defender Raphael Varane but they are also interested in Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
According to the post on X by the journalist, the Saudi side are keen on the French forward, who was superb for Diego Simeone’s side last season, and could be prepared to make the French forward an offer.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that the French forward has been linked with a move to the Middle East.
An exclusive from French journalist Santi Aouna on X stated that Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad’s rivals for the title, met with Griezmann’s representatives.
The former Real Sociedad forward has a release clause in his contract believed to be around €25 million (£21 million).
Would Griezmann make the move
The French forward has been at Atletico for a few years now after an unsuccessful period at Barcelona where he really struggled at Camp Nou. Under Simeone, Griezmann has thrived.
Last season, Griezmann was superb. The French forward scored an incredible 15 goals and provided 16 assists for Simeone’s side and that was just in La Liga.
The forward would be a welcome addition to the Saudi side, although Griezmann may well be a backup as Karim Benzema, who is a modern-day Real Madrid legend, made the move to the Saudi side this summer, so Griezmann may struggle this season.
One possibility for Griezmann is the forward could potentially fit in as the number 10 or the false nine in the Saudi side and could form a lethal partnership with Benzema.
The fee for the forward, which could be as low as £20 million, would represent another bargain for the Saudi side and they would be building towards another title-winning side, similar to last season.