ATLETICO MADRID striker Antoine Griezmann has reportedly told Barcelona he will only sign for them if he usurps Lionel Messi as club talisman.
Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid future remains uncertain despite the France international signing a new contract back in the summer.
The striker was widely expected to seal a move to Manchester United, but ended up staying put in the wake of the club’s transfer ban.
Since then, Barcelona have emerged as his likeliest destination, particularly with Luis Suarez toiling in front of goal.
But Spanish website Diario Gol claims Griezmann has told the club he will sign for them - but only on his terms.
With three goals so far, the forward’s stock has dropped dramatically.
Which is why his wish to be Barcelona’s talisman ahead of Messi seems a tad unreasonable.
Diario Gol say Ernesto Valverde is hellbent on making Griezmann the focal point of his attack next season.
That is likely to spell the end of Suarez’s time as main man, despite the former Liverpool star still being regarded as one of the best strikers in world football.
Barcelona have made a habit of signing French players in recent years - shown by the arrivals of Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Lucas Digne.
This is supposedly to help get a move for Griezmann done with the 26-year-old admired by club chiefs.
GETTY
Barcelona news: Antoine Griezmann has made a Lionel Messi request
However, he only wants to be the club’s main man - something Barcelona will no doubt be reluctant to agree to.
Meanwhile, Atletico defender Juanfran wants Griezmann to stay calm, despite Diego Simeone hooking him in the weekend’s game against Deportivo La Coruna.
"[Griezmann] is a very important player for us, and we are with him,” he said.
"We love him and we trust in him. But any decision the boss makes, with him or anyone else, we accept.
“The boss does the best for the team. Griezmann should be relaxed. We will support him."
This is good
ReplyDelete