Arsenal may have been given the green light to sign Antoine Griezmann in January thanks to an admission from Atletico Madrid's president Enrique Cerezo. It comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the Frenchman, who may be at a crossroads come the end of the season.
The 31-year-old is currently on loan with the Rojiblancos from Barcelona, joining them last summer for a two-year spell back in the Spanish capital. His campaign so far has been full of intrigue though, given the fact he has only made substitute appearances with 30 minutes or so left of the game to go.
Reports have suggested that this is due to a mandatory buy clause in the agreement with Barca, suggesting they are playing him less to make sure they avoid triggering the deal permanently. After much deliberation over the move, L'Equipe reported that an agreement was close to being reached to reduce this clause down to £22million.
READ MORE: Nine clubs 'agree' huge Premier League VAR rule change to affect Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
Should that be true, it would come as a huge blow to Arsenal, with Catalan newspaper SPORT claiming recently that the Gunners were eyeing a January move for Griezmann. It would be with a view to bolster the attacking numbers at the club, though it remains to be seen if there is any movement from the side.
If there is that interest though, then they may have just been given the green light from Atletico to be able to get the forward in January. That's because president Cerezo has revealed that there has been no meeting with Barcelona and the situation surrounding Griezmann is the same.
He said, via Fabrizio Romano: "We have not met with Barcelona nor do we intend to do so. Griezmann story is pretty clear. At the moment we are at the same point, nothing has changed with FCB on Griezmann - same as the beginning of the season."
It could see the Gunners finally make their move in January to make a push for the top four that they didn't do last time out.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal given PSV fixture update as Metropolitan Police make crucial decision
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal have their own Luis Diaz as Edu's transfer masterplan continues amid Saka contract delay
The £50m Arsenal reason William Saliba is thriving with Mikel Arteta masterstroke getting better
Three Arsenal legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
