Barcelona are looking to up the ante in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
The 28-year-old has appeared set for the Nou Camp ever since he announced he would leave Atletico in May.
Spanish newspaper Sport claims the La Liga champions are now ready to sign the World Cup winner after his release clause dropped from a staggering £179million to £107million.
Griezmann’s release clause has prompted the Catalan giants to try to seal the deal as soon as possible, especially with reports claiming Manchester United are ready to hijack proceedings should any obstacles prevent the deal from going through.
La Liga runners-up Atletico Madrid will look to use funds from Griezmann’s potential transfer to sign Portugese starlet Joao Felix from Benfica.
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Barcelona are also looking to wrap up the Griezmann signing swiftly as they are keen to re-sign Brazilian striker Neymar.
After two seasons with PSG, the 27-year-old is interested in a shock return to the Nou Camp and Barcelona want to bring him back.
With fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho not impressing the way many thought he would, a potential Neymar return would be a great move for the Spanish champions, as they eye Champions League glory next term.
(Image: ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/REX)
If Barca can bring in Griezmann and Neymar along with Frenkie de Jong who has already been signed from Ajax, Barcelona will once again be a strong contender in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Neymar is currently recovering from an injury which ruled him out of the ongoing Copa America tournament, where his country Brazil have made it to the semi-finals.
Despite Neymar’s desire to return to Catalonia, the league’s president Javier Tebas has shockingly admitted that he hopes Neymar does not go back to Barcelona, as he was reported saying his behaviour is ‘not good for the competition.’
