Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Targeting £43m-Rated Forward to Replace Drogba

Chelsea are reportedly looking to trigger Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann's £43 million buy-out clause, as manager Jose Mourinho looks to bring in a new striker to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 24-year-old forward, who completed a €30 million (£24 million) switch from Real Sociedad last summer, has been in stellar form this season, scoring 22 goals in 32 La Liga appearances.

Many top sides are believed to be interested in securing the France forward's signature this summer, but Atletico are reportedly unwilling to sell Griezmann after only one season.

However, Diego Simeone's side may be forced to part with Griezmann this summer as a number a clubs including Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to trigger the £43 million buy-out clause in the striker's current contract.

When Atletico bought Griezmann last summer, they were not expecting him to be an instant success at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. Due to this reason, they decided to put a relatively humble £43 million buy-out clause in his current.

However, Atletico will now be cursing themselves for not putting a higher figure in Griezmann's buyout clause as the forward has been in excellent form in front of goal this season.

Although £43 million is certainly not a low figure, and clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich will be willing to spend that much on Griezmann considering his current form and age.

And according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to do exactly that.

Last summer, the Blues managed to successfully land Diego Costa after meeting the £32 million buy-out clause in his Atletico contract.

He is been in fine form for Chelsea this season, scoring 19 goals for the Blues in the Premier League so far.

Apart from him, Loic Remy has also been doing well this season, but the Blues are reportedly looking for someone to replace Didier Drogba this summer.

Mourinho has been forced to play Drogba in the last few games due to Costa and Remy both being on the sidelines with injuries. However, the Ivorian, who was once capable of single handedly destroying the opposition, seems to be no longer up for the task due to him being 37 years of age.

Hence, Chelsea are looking to get a new forward and Griezmann is reportedly one of their prime targets this summer.

The Blues, however, will be facing a lot of competition from Bayern for the France forward's signature as they have reportedly identified Griezmann as a potential long-term replacement for Franck Ribery.