According to Foot365, Barcelona are closing in on Atletico Madrid forward Antonie Griezmann and his boss Diego Seimeone is open to the move on one condition if right offer comes along.
Griezmann joined Atletico as a replacement for Diego Costa in that summer of 2014, and during his time at the club he’s gone on to become one of the most revered forwards in the European football games.
“Of course he can leave at some point, like Diego Costa and Arda Turan did in their day. If a player, who gave it all here, comes to me and says he wants to go, then I will not get in his way. I’m sure I’ll still be at the club next summer.” Simeone said.
“I love watching my players grow, and if one of them tells me that they have the unique opportunity of playing for a certain team.
“After they did everything they could for me, like Griezmann has done, I’ll say it’s not a problem. I know that he needs to grow.” Simeone added.
Another report says, both sided have discussed a possible future transfer for Griezmann to the Blaugrana with a fee 100 million euro.
The Catalan team sports managers, Pep Segura and Robert Fernandez, all agree that Griezmann has a perfect profile to adapt the game of Barca and Lionel Messi.
His arrival would push Barca to play in 4-2-3-1 formation: Dembele, Griezmann and Messi evolving in support of Luis Suarez.
The 26-year-old forward is admired by Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde and it is now time for the player, who trained at Real Sociedad to leave Atletico and join a club at the height of his status.
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring the first goal with his team-mates during the Spanish La Liga campaign. (Source:www.esquire.com)
On the other hand, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain would have also shown their interest to the Frenchman in recent months.
Griezmann close to moving to The Red Devils last summer before Atletico’s transfer ban was upheld. The Frenchman felt owing to Simeone and chose to stay as the club could not sign a replacement.
So far, he has seven goals and five assists in 22 appearances for Atletico this season. He is under contract with Atletico until 2022.
