Loren says Real Sociedad plan to delay Antoine Griezmann’s exit ‘as much as possible’, and are not concerned about Carlos Vela returning to Arsenal.
The striking duo’s form over the past 18 months has continued to attract speculation regarding their long term futures at Anoeta, with Griezmann in particular of late finding the net with ease.
However, in confirming that no offers have come in for any of their players, La Real’s sporting director has made clear the situation regarding the Frenchman.
“Antoine Griezmann is performing very well, at the top level in Europe. He is the third top scorer, the French player with most goals. Denying that evidence is impossible,” Loren has mused this week to Mundo Deportivo.
“What we need to do is try to continue to convince him that best for him and his progression is continuing with La Real.
“If he believes that his time at La Real is over, there is a clause. We intend to have him happy here and delay that exit as much as possible.
“Could he go in January? No, no. We have no evidence to make us think that he is leaving in January.
“Will a new contract convince him? We are talking to him and giving value to what he is doing. The important thing is to continue along this measure.
“I have forwarded this to the board and they must decide.”
Loren was also asked if he was concerned about Arsenal’s buyback clause for Carlos Vela next summer, believed to between €4m and €5m.
“No. That clause in his contract is the least of our concerns. We know he is doing very well and we know what he thinks about London and Arsenal. We are very calm.
“Would he be persuaded better to stay with a new contract? He has not said that he is unhappy with the contract that he has, rather, he conveys happiness and joy, whilst he is very happy at La Real.
“If we have to compete with other offers, financially, then we have lost the war. It is another thing to make the greatest possible economic effort.
“And the players see it. We cannot change our standards for them because of other teams, because we will lose that war.”
