Arsenal target scores dramatic UCL winner, Spanish press stunned by ‘surreal’ transfer situation

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Arsenal have been linked with Antoine Griezmann and the Atletico Madrid striker popped up with a dramatic winner against Porto on Wednesday night.

Atletico hosted Porto in the first game of their Champions League group stage campaign.

It looked like a 0-0 draw was on the cards as the board for added time went up – but few could have predicted the drama to come.

Mario Hermoso’s deflected goal for Atletico appeared to have won it, before Matheus Uribe bagged a 96th minute penalty to seemingly earn Porto a share of the spoils.

There was one more twist though, with Griezmann popping up at the back post to head in a winner in the 101st minute.

The Frenchman kissed the Atletico badge as he reminded everybody of his allegiance to Los Rojiblancos – despite a bizarre transfer situation.

Arsenal have been linked with Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann is still on loan with Atletico from Barcelona.

If you look at his minutes player this season, he keeps coming off the bench to play less than half an hour.

Just go to WhoScored and look at his appearances; 28 minutes, 28 minutes, 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 29 minutes.

It’s natural to wonder just what on earth is going on with Griezmann.

FourFourTwo report that Griezmann will join Atletico permanently for €40million (£34million) if he plays more than 45 minutes in half of the games he can play this season.

Atletico seemingly want to avoid that deal and are just limiting his minutes.

One surprise rumour has emerged about Griezmann, with Catalan newspaper SPORT reporting last week that Arsenal want to sign Griezmann.

Edu is allegedly eyeing a move to sign Griezmann in January, seemingly sensing that there is a deal to be had if Atletico don’t want to keep the Frenchman.

It would be a surprise to see Arsenal commit big wages to a 31-year-old given their youth movement, but maybe Edu thinks Griezmann is worth it.

Wednesday’s goal was a reminder of the quality Griezmann can provide and the Spanish press are stunned by his situation.

Marca suggest that Griemzann’s situation is ‘surreal’ and ‘inappropriate’, believing it’s just not fair for Griezmann to be punished for something out his control.

Marca add that Griezmann’s attitude is impeccable but Atletico and Griezmann are both losing by him not playing, which may well spark Arsenal into action in January.