Chelsea could capitalise on Barcelona’s financial crisis by signing Antoine Griezmann.
Reports claim the France international is set to be offered for Thomas Tuchel’s side as the Catalan club look to balance the books.
So Express Sport will now take a look at four shirt numbers the 2018 World Cup winner could wear if he moves to Stamford Bridge.
No 8
Chelsea aren’t expected to welcome back Ross Barkley to the club.
While he had his moments for Aston Villa last term, the England international isn’t in Tuchel’s plans for the long term.
So that means there will be a vacancy.
The No 8 shirt hasn’t been donned by too many Chelsea strikers over the years, with Mark Hughes the last to wear it.
However, it’s special because of it’s links to Frank Lampard – meaning Griezmann may very well be tempted to take it.
No 9
Chelsea are expected to jettison Tammy Abraham this summer.
The England international wasn’t in Tuchel’s thoughts for the end of last season and, given the German’s determination to sign a new marksman, won’t be going forward.
The No 9 shirt has been donned by many Chelsea players over the years – but the majority, Abraham included, has failed to do it justice.
Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres and Mateja Kezman are just a few to have toiled with the jersey on their back.
However, given Griezmann’s a striker by trade, he may fancy his chances of succeeding where others failed.
No 13
At the moment, Chelsea have the No 13 shirt vacant.
Last worn by Willy Caballero, it’s also been donned by the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Victor Moses, Michael Ballack and Alex over the years.
And given it’s available, Griezmann may have no choice but to take it.
Courtois, Moses, Ballack and Alex were all emphatic hits during their time in west London – with all four winning the Premier League title.
So it could be a lucky omen for Griezmann should he makes the move to the capital this summer.
No 27
The No 27 isn’t an exciting shirt.
The highest profile player to wear it over the years was probably Andreas Christensen, who sported it for two years before changing things up.
But, for Griezmann, it may hold a special place in his heart.
That’s the number he wore when breaking onto the scene at Real Sociedad in Spain, before switching the No 7.
And with that jersey sported by N’Golo Kante at the current moment in time, Griezmann may have to accept his old favourite instead.