Atletico Madrid could target Arsenal’s Mesut Özil if Antoine Griezmann exits the Vicente Calderon.

Griezmann was fairly heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, talk of which stalled when Atletico were handed a transfer ban. This led to Griezmann committing his future to Atleti as he knew that the club wouldn’t be able to replace him.

However, according to the Daily Star, Manchester United are still keen on the player next summer and Atletico Madrid would look to pick up Mesut Özil if the French international did end up leaving the club.

I think the news stems from the fact that Mesut only has a year left on his contract and talks over the last year haven’t led to him getting close to signing a new one. However, the German international did state that he was happy at the club earlier in the summer.

The report is still a bit strange. Özil is one of the best creative players around and has never been a prolific scorer, while Griezmann is mostly known for his goalscoring not creating. The two players are nothing alike.

If the 28-year-old didn’t extend his deal with Arsenal, he would likely become a target for a club like Atletico among many other sides, but I don’t think he will be signed to directly replace Griezmann.