Representatives of Antoine Griezmann are expected to arrive in England this week to sound out interest from Chelsea and Manchester City in the Barcelona forward, per the Daily Star.
The Frenchman’s agents are planning to spend a few days travelling around trying to find a home for their client. They intend to gauge the level of interest from a number of Premier League sides, as his Camp Nou future is very ominous this summer.
Barcelona are riddled with debt and cannot register Lionel Messi’s new contract until the La Liga outfit reduce their spending. The Argentine has agreed terms to stay, but the Camp Nou giants must adhere to a strict salary cap.
La Liga regulations could see Barcelona also struggle to register their duo of signings from Manchester City, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia. But Ronald Koeman’s side are clearing the house of what they can sell, with Griezmann likely the biggest casualty.
Griezmann earns £594,000-per-week at the Camp Nou, after joining from Atletico Madrid in a £107m deal back in 2019. His Barcelona contract also contains a £717m release clause, but he will leave for far less should he be sold.
Those representing Griezmann intend to speak with Chelsea and Manchester City this week to hear their interest in the forward. But Pep Guardiola is prioritising the potential arrival of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
Thomas Tuchel is targeting a centre-forward at Stamford Bridge in the transfer market. But the German also wants additions in defence and midfield, while eying Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku for his attack. Meanwhile, Arsenal made a play for Griezmann in March.
Manchester City can sign ‘one of the best’ in Barcelona forward Griezmann
While Guardiola is prioritising Kane, Manchester City can sign a phenomenal talent by agreeing a deal with Barcelona for Griezmann. The Frenchman has 38 goals and 27 assists in 95 international caps since 2014, and won the 2018 World Cup.
He has also scored 35 times and penned 17 assists in 99 games in all competitions since moving to Catalunya. And Griezmann can offer a presence across Guardiola’s front line, interchanging with Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne like a piece of art.
France boss Didier Deschamps cannot sing his praises any more than he has, either. He said, via AS last month: “He’s one of the greatest players of all time in Europe and worldwide.”
Praise that should catch the eye of Manchester City as Barcelona seek a destination for Griezmann. And as his agent sets out for talks with the Etihad Stadium side and Chelsea.
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