After humiliating defeats, Chelsea makes bids for new players

Chelsea are keen on signing Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann, and will make an opening bid of £21m for the French forward. According to The Star, Roman Abramovich has sanctioned an opening offer after growing frustrated at his side's poor start to the season. Transfer window closes in 13 days. l Chelsea have been linked with Griezmann throughout the summer, but had baulked at the Frenchman's £56.8m buy-out clause. That clause suggests Atletico will turn down Chelsea's initial offer, but the two clubs may be able to meet somewhere in the middle by the end of the month. Griezmann signed for the Spanish club last summer and enjoyed a stunning first season at the Vicente Calderon, scoring 25 goals playing mainly in the inside forward position. Chelsea, its hand forced slightly by the dreadful defeat to Manchester City over the weekend, have tabled a new £30m offer for the defender John Stones, but Everton are holding out for £40m. It had previously been thought that £34m would be enough to convince Everton to sell, but the Merseysiders are holding out for even more. Also, Chelsea is close to signing Cagliari midfielder Godfred Donsah. The 19-year-old Ghanaian has been dubbed 'the new Michael Essien' and his strength in the centre of midfield would be a welcome addition for Jose Mourinho, after seeing his side battered by Yaya Toure and Fernandinho on Sunday. Donsah would cost Chelsea around £10m.