According to L’Equipe, Barcelona are close to reaching an agreement with Atlético Madrid over a deal for Arsenal target Antoine Griezmann.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Mikel Arteta and Edu wanted to bring the France international to the Emirates Stadium during the summer window, and are keeping tabs on a January move.
A move failed to materialise before the September 1st deadline, although the situation remained open due to some odd circumstances involving Griezmann, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.
The Frenchman has only played after the 60th minute in Atlético Madrid’s games this season, or else Diego Simeone risks triggering a clause which will force him into buying the striker for €40m (£35m).
Griezmann is on a two-year loan at the Wanda Metropolitano, and if he plays more than 45 minutes in 50% of games across that spell, the clause is triggered – according to Marca.
The 31-year-old played in 81% during the first year of his loan, so things are being evened up now as Atlético Madrid play poker with Barcelona.
Their stubbornness seems to have worked, with Arsenal’s hopes of signing Griezmann now fading quickly.
According to L’Equipe, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are close to finding an agreement which will see that £35m sum lowered to €25m (£22m) – a sum Simeone is happy to pay.
Now, Griezmann is expected to start games from the first minute, with Atlético Madrid happy to trigger a £22m option.
Arsenal can do better than Antoine Griezmann
In our view, Griezmann was merely a panic option to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and was far from a measured target like Gabriel Jesus.
At the age of 31, the Frenchman doesn’t exactly fit into Arteta and Edu’s recruitment strategy of targeting those who are under 25.
His arrival would also be sure to have Eddie Nketiah knocking on Arteta’s door.
The Arsenal No.14 has played just 76 minutes of Premier League football since signing a new five-year contract in the summer.
In our view, it would make much more sense for Arsenal to trust their Hale End graduate, rather than to bring an ageing Griezmann to north London.
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