Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann's Premier League interest puts Chelsea on alert

Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has given interested Premier League clubs a major boost after admitting that he is keen on a move to England in the summer. Chelsea have been chasing the Frenchman since before last summer, but have been unable to conclude a deal owing to the stubbornness of the La Liga outfit.

According to the Daily Mail, the former Real Sociedad attacker has already told close friends about his desire to play in the English top-flight tournament, which will put the Stamford Bridge club on alert with the report claiming that they are likely to return with yet another approach to sign Griezmann. The Blues, however, will not have it easy as Manchester United and City are likely to match their offer in an effort to hijack the deal, which could lead to a bidding war in the summer.

The 24-year-old, who can play all across the frontline or as an attacking midfielder, has been prolific since his move to the Vicente Calderon stadium in 2014, and his performances have attracted interest from a number of clubs. He scored 25 goals in all competitions in his debut season for the Spanish capital club and has already notched up 19 goals in 32 appearances thus far this campaign. Griezmann is contracted to Atletico until the summer of 2020.

The Spanish club are bracing themselves for a bid from the big spending clubs in Europe in the summer and according to Spanish publication AS, they are hoping to increase the player's release clause, which is currently set at €80m to €100m (£75.6m, $109m) in order to dissuade interested suitors. The club's president has already made it clear that Giezmann is not keen on leaving the club despite interest from Premier League clubs.