Barcelona are reportedly considering a summer move for Atletico Madrid’s wantaway French international Antoine Griezmann.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Barcelona are weighing up the possibility of signing Antoine Griezmann in the summer transfer window. The claims come in the wake of news that the French international is set to leave Atletico Madrid post the end of the season.
Antoine Griezman has made quite a splash since he first broke onto the scene with Real Sociedad. A decade later, he is one of the best players in the world, having become an indispensable figure for current club Atletico Madrid as well as the French national side.
. @AntoGriezmann: “These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart.” pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019
He has also achieved some success with both club and country, winning the La Liga title and the UEFA Europa League with Los Rojiblancos before reaching the pinnacle of his career at the World Cup last year. His time at Atletico Madrid though, is set to come to an end in the summer, which could see him move to Barcelona.
The former La Liga champions released a video this week confirming that the 28-year-old would be departing from the Spanish capital at the end of the season. And, the chance may have finally come for Barcelona to snap him up.
The Blaugrana hold a long-time interest in the French international, having also tried to secure his services last summer. But, their hopes of signing Griezmann had ended after his infamous documentary that saw him reject Barcelona to stay put at Atletico Madrid.
The reigning La Liga champions though, are ready to move on from the embarrassment of last year. MARCA claim that while the squad isn’t too keen on the club making the move, the Barcelona board is considering the possibility of revisiting their interest in him.
The move for Griezmann could come at just the right time, with Luis Suarez showing this season that age might be catching up to him, despite his solid returns. Griezmann could be a viable successor to the Uruguayan while also giving Ernesto Valverde the option of utilising him in other ways, when Suarez plays as well.
As per recent reports, Griezmann is eager to finally make his way to Barcelona as well, which would suggest that a move could be possible. Barcelona though, will likely have to shell out his €120 million release clause, unless a transfer fee can be negotiated with Atletico Madrid.
The Catalans are also hoping to make room for Griezmann in the squad by offloading an attacker, with Philippe Coutinho, who has been linked with a return to Premier League lately, the likely player to do so. It now remains to be seen if Barcelona can make good on their best opportunity to sign the French international.
