Reports: Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to beat Manchester United and sign £90m superstar

What’s the story?

Barcelona have an amazing front line in Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez but now latest reports from Diario Gol claim that the Argentine maestro wants Blaugrana to beat Manchester United and sign Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann in the summer.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has been in stunning form for Atletico Madrid this season and although he has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Manchester United, the Argentine maestro wants the Blaugrana to stump up the cash and sign one of the best players in the world.

Also, Paco Alcacer has failed to impress this season and the Spaniard could well be sold in the summer to make space for the Atletico Madrid frontman.

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Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann’s future has been subject to intense speculation and while the Frenchman has time and again reiterated his desire to stay at Atletico Madrid, it has not stopped top clubs across Europe trying to sign the talented striker.

A move to the Premier League looks most likely but, the temptation to play with Messi and Neymar could just persuade Griezmann to join Barcelona.

The heart of the matter

Barcelona have not been at their best this season and although they are still in with an improbable chance of a treble, the squad has looked shaky and does not look good enough to claim top honours.

Messi wants a major squad overhaul in the summer and the signing of Antoine Griezmann could prove to be a game changer in the next season. However, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United will want to sign a long-term replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and there might well be a huge battle to secure the signing of the Frenchman.

What’s next?

It promises to be a summer of huge change at Barcelona this summer. With Luis Enrique set to leave at the end of the season, a lot of the arrivals and departures at Barcelona will depend on who the new manager is. Also, with Messi’s contract situation up in the air, the Barcelona board will be desperate to fulfil their main man’s demands and resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Author’s Take

Barcelona certainly need a squad overhaul and with Luis Suarez 30 now, the signing of Griezmann would prove to be ideal for the Blaugrana. Also, Alcacer has definitely not lived up to his billing and the arrival of a world class star might just rejuvenate Barcelona and Messi next season.