According to the Metro today Arsenal have lodged a formal bid for French international Antoine Griezmann. The Real Sociedad winger/forward was in good form last year impressing in La Liga with one Carlos Vela. In 49 appearances last year Griezmann contributed 20 goals.

Wenger is known to be a long term admirer and is definitely looking to strengthen Arsenal’s left side of attack. "We are following him [Griezmann] in great detail," Wenger said. "He attracts other clubs as well but we follow him, he is a known commodity."

There have also been strong suggestions that Arsenal may use the release clause of Vela with in the deal. Arsenal are willing to write the clause out of Vela’s contract for 12 million euros cash or knock money of the Griezmann deal.

Arsenal are believed to have lodged an £18 million bid for this player and will have to fight off other clubs such as Juventus. Griezmann is described as a quick, agile and strong attacker.

Griezmann is the type of player Arsenal need as it was evident last year that in some games pace was lacking especially when Theo Walcott picked up his injury. It is key to get this deal done before the world cup because if he was to shine for France then his price may be inflated and start a bidding war and more importantly create more competition for his signature. It is not yet clear if the Vela clause will be used in the deal but the two could be united at Arsenal.

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