Barcelona transfer news: 'Griezmann's the best in the world. I would love to have him in my team,' says Barca midfield star

What's the story?

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has said that as far as he's concerned, Antoine Griezmann would be more than welcome at the club.

The Croatian playmaker who faced the French forward in the final of the FIFA World Cup last summer and lost, spoke highly of the 28-year-old finisher, rating him as the best in the world and an asset that any club would love to have.

In case you didn't know...

Griezmann has already confirmed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer after five years at the club, despite signing a new long-term contract just 12 months ago.

After the former Real Sociedad player lifted the World Cup with Les Blues last summer, he came close to becoming a Barcelona player but pulled the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour.

The heart of the matter...

Blaugrana have been heavily linked with Griezmann, and with Ernesto Valverde prioritising signing a striker in this transfer window, it might not be highly surprising if the player finally secures his long-awaited move to the Nou Camp.

Amid the speculations surrounding the Frenchman's future, Ivan Rakitic heaped praise upon him and said that he would relish the opportunity to have that as a teammate. He told Mundo Deportivo:

“I like him a lot. leaving aside last summer I when he ruined my dream [of winning the World Cup]. But he is a top level player, the best in the world, and of course I would love to play in my team.”

Rakitic also pointed out that there are no hard feelings over the failed transfer saga of last summer and that we should let bygones be bygones. He continued:

You have to congratulate him for it because he showed his love and dedication to his club. It was not a decision against Barca or anyone, it was in favour of Atletico."

"All good players are welcome to us."

What's next?

Barcelona head to Estadio Benito Villamarín to play Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, before wrapping up their season.