Antoine Griezmann‘s future at Barcelona is hanging in the balance after reports emerged that the French star could be sold this summer to balance their books.
The Catalan club has been hit financially. They are keen to offload several players to trim their wage bill to extend Lionel Messi’s contract and register new signings Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero.
Griezmann is one of the players who could be sacrificed to ease Barca’s financial situation. President Joan Laporta also confirms the club is open to receiving offers for the Frenchman.
La Liga champions Atletico Madrid were the first to register their interest in resigning their former star, and they were ready to let go of their midfielder Saul Niguez to join Barca in a swap deal.
However, Barca are said to be having second thoughts about the proposed deal as they didn’t want to sell Griezmann to a direct rival – a transfer mistake that happened with Luis Suarez, and Barca are still regretting it.
According to a new report, the 30-year-old is open to continuing to stay at the Nou Camp by taking a wage cut.
Barca are said to be trying their best to convince other key players to reduce their salary to get out of the financial straits.
Premier League clubs opt against signing Griezmann
There have been rumours about Griemann’s move to the Premier League ever since reports emerged that Barca want to sell him.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool were said to be linked with the French World Cup winner; however, new reports suggest there aren’t any concrete interests from the English clubs.
It leaves Atletico as the potential suitors, and Griezmann is open to reuniting with manager Diego Simeone.
Furthermore, the Frenchman’s place in the first team has been questioned following the addition of Memphis Depay, who is likely to make his way into the starting eleven under Ronald Koeman.
