Manchester United have reportedly emerged as the favourites to land World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, who is also a target for Barcelona.
As per a report from Spanish publication Sport, Manchester United are leading the chase for Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann, who is also being pursued by La Liga champions Barcelona.
Griezmann has established himself as one of the best attacking players in Europe since making the switch to Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad back in 2014. The 27-year-old had an excellent 2017-18 term, as he led Los Rojiblancos to the UEFA Europa League triumph, post which he went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
In between the two events, Griezmann went on to reject a transfer to Barcelona, who were heavily interested in signing the Frenchman as they looked to boost their attack. Having rejected the switch to the La Liga champions, the forward is reportedly regretting his decision now and could be open to an exit in the summer, claims the report from Sport.
The prospect of finishing the season without silverware has driven Griezmann to consider leaving Atletico in the summer. Diego Simeone’s men have already crashed out of the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, while they are ten points behind Barcelona on the La Liga table.
Add to it, the fact that Diego Godin is on his way out of the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer and could be followed by compatriot Lucas Hernandez, has led to the Frenchman to think about leaving, the report further claims.
Following this latest development, recent reports stated that Barcelona were set to rekindle their interest in Griezmann. The Catalans are in the market for a new forward, with Philippe Coutinho’s future at the club up in the air and a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez also on the agenda. And, Griezmann is viewed as the ideal candidate by the reigning La Liga champions.
However, they will have to compete with Premier League giants Manchester United, who are also monitoring his situation, as per the report. There are serious question marks over the future of Alexis Sanchez at the club, while Romelu Lukaku, despite the recent upturn of form, has been linked with an exit with Juventus interested.
Griezmann has been on Manchester United’s radar on the past and the fact that he will be joining up with international teammates and good friends Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial in England should he agree to a transfer, gives the Red Devils an edge over the competition, the report adds.
Griezmann is on a contract worth €23 million-a-season with Atletico Madrid till the summer of 2023. The 27-year-old has a release clause of €200 million, but according to L’Equipe (h/t MARCA), that is set to drop to €120 million in June.
Manchester United and Barcelona have the financial clout to pull off the deal for Griezmann and can match the Frenchman’s wages as well. But it remains to be seen if either of them do make an attempt to sign up the 27-year-old come summer.