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Barcelona transfer stance on Antoine Griezmann revealed by Guillem Balague
BARCELONA will NOT try to sign Antoine Griezmann this summer, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
Barcelona: Antoine Griezmann is NOT a target claims Balague
Barcelona chased the French forward in the last off-season, which led to Griezmann announcing his decision to stay on live TV.
The World Cup winner is seen as the crown jewel at Atletico Madrid and signed a new deal with the club nine months ago which keeps him in the capital until June 2023.
Atletico have no trophies left to play for this season after being sensationally knocked out by Juventus in the Champions League round of 16, while sitting 10 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
It is understood the player once again wants to leave with Europe’s heavyweight clubs naturally being linked.
[Will Barca go back in for Griezmann?] No chance, no chance.
One of those sides mentioned has been Barcelona, but Balague understands the Catalans are not interested in the 27-year-old anymore.
“[Will Barca go back in for Griezmann?] No chance, no chance,” Balague said on his YouTube channel.
“This is a story that came in [French newspaper] L’Equipe saying that Barcelona are thinking of going back for Antoine Griezmann.
“The story comes from the entourage of Griezmann who have opened up the avenue of Griezmann leaving Atletico Madrid.”
One thing which could ward off potential suitors is Griezmann’s hefty buyout clause - but one club is planning to somehow meet it.
“There’s confusion about his [buyout clause] - some say it’s only £103m (€120m) until July 1 when it becomes £172m (€200m),” Balague added.
“We had been told by Atletico Madrid that it was £172m (€200m) already. So it’s a way for Griezmann and his people to look for a way out.
“And you know who may be interested in bringing him? PSG.
“PSG have shown interest, they’re preparing themselves for whatever happens in the summer.
“They have said ‘no way are we going to let Neymar or Mbappe go’, but they will want to keep Griezmann. How are they going to manage to do that? No idea.”