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What’s the story?
Barcelona are determined to strengthen their forward line and are already making the shortlist of players they want to sign. Ernesto Valverde's side have been dependent on Leo Messi for the goals, with Luis Suarez not yet finding his feet this season.
Reports in Mundo Deportivo today, claim that the Catalan giants are keen on activating the release clause of Antoine Griezmann. The striker reportedly has a €99.5 million release clause on his contract at Atletico Madrid.
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In case you didn’t know...
Antonie Griezmann has been one of the best strikers in La Liga and has been scoring goals at will for the Madrid side. He was on the verge of joining Manchester United last summer but decided not to move after Atletico had their transfer ban upheld.
The heart of the matter
Ernesto Valverde has reportedly made it clear to the board that he wants to sign a forward in January or next summer. The former Athletic Bilbao manager has been assured by the board they will sign the players he needs as well.
Griezmann still remains a target for Manchester United despite the Red Devils spending £75 million + add-ons on Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has been brilliant in front of goal for United but Jose Mourinho is keen on adding more quality to his squad.
Apart from United and Barcelona, Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keeping tabs on the French striker. They are keen on selling Cavani next summer and want the Atletico Madrid star to replace him.
What’s next?
Griezmann might have a huge decision to make next summer. Manchester United and Barcelona are willing to activate his release clause while Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on landing him.
Author’s Take
It's tough to see Griezmann pick Barcelona over Manchester United The striker's brother is a huge Red Devils fan, and rumours suggest that the striker himself was extremely keen on moving to Old Trafford in the summer.
Should both clubs activate his release clause, I think he'll move to Manchester and not Catalonia. Moreover, the uncertainty over where Barcelona will play after the independence of Catalonia would make any player think twice before joining them.
