Antoine Griezmann tells Atletico Madrid he wants to leave

Antoine Griezmann looks like he has decided to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. After three seasons with the club, the French international feels the moment has gone to take the next step in his career and to fight for titles.  

According to Deportes Cope, Griezmann has told the club's directors that he wishes to be sold in the coming weeks. 

Griezmann, 26, has a contract until 2021 and a release clause worth 100 million euros. The price is prohibitive, but it's not stopped several clubs sniffing around. One of those being Manchester United, who are ready to pay him 17 million euros annually. Jose Mourinho feels that he's the perfect player to strengthen his side's front line after the serious injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And especially now that United have secured Champions League qualification. 

Meanwhile, Greizmann has closed no doors in reent weeks. He even failed to rule out moving to Real Madrid, while saying he may stay at Atletico, too. "It's all unfounded rumours, I'm a Colchonero," he wrote on his Twitter account recently. "My future will be decided when I speak with my sporting advisor." 

Griezmann is currently with the French national team preparing for games against Paraguay and Sweden. But his future will be decided soon. As of today, he looks set for United. The player himself told television in France last week that there was a "six out of 10 possibility" of him moving to Old Trafford. 

His departure will be a blow for Atletico, who hoped to retain their star player as they moved into their new stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano. If it's not possible, though, they will look for a replacement and various names have been mentioned. Diego Costa has said he would be keen to go back if possible an Lyon's Alexander Lacazette is another option.

However, everything will depend on the decision the Court of Arbitration for Sport make this week. They're expected to make an announcement on Atletico's appeal against their transfer ban. If they accept the appeal, the Rojiblanco can sign players this summer. If not, they will have to wait until 2018.