Barcelona could lose out on Antoine Griezmann as relationship with Atletico Madrid deteriorates

David Cooper - Writer 14:24 09/05/2018
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  • Atletico Madrid frontman Antoine Griezmann

    Barcelona are in danger of scuppering a deal for Atletico Madrid frontman Antoine Griezmann after the club released a strong statement demanding “respect”.

    The La Liga champions have identified Griezmann as a top transfer target this summer and are preparing to activate his €100million release clause.

    However, Atletico are desperate to avoid any talk over the Frenchman’s future with Diego Simeone’s side set to face Marseille in the Europa League final later this month.

    Barca, though, have continued to force the issue with president Josep Maria Bartomeu admitting to having held talks with Griezmann’s representatives in October.

    Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez has also hinted Griezmann could soon be a teammate at the Catalan giants and the public courting has enraged Atleti with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin releasing a statement on the club’s official website.

    “We’re fed up with Barcelona’s attitude. That a president, player and a board member speak the way they’ve done about the future of a player with an existing contract and just a few days before disputing a European final, is an absolute lack of respect towards Atlético Madrid and its fans,” he wrote.

    “Atlético de Madrid’s stance is very clear and has been made public on numerous occasions. Not once have we negotiated for Griezmann nor do we have any intention to do so. A few months ago, I personally expressed to Barcelona’s president that our player isn’t for sale nor are we going to sell him.

    “At the same time, I let him know that his inappropriate conduct was against the integrity of the competition, especially since we’ve been competing for the league title throughout the season and Barcelona have been continuously pressuring one of the most relevant players from our squad.

    “I also told him in that moment, that in the chance the player exercised his right to nullify his contract due to their pressure throughout the season that Atlético de Madrid would demand Barcelona compensation for their inappropriate behavior.

    “Enough is enough. I hope this statement serves its purpose and that us Atlético fans can enjoy this moment and prepare ourselves for a final like we should.”

    Bartomeu revealed to RAC 1 that he had held conversations regarding a possible deal for Griezmann.

    He said: “I saw Griezmann one day on holiday. We met with his agent, yes. It was in October.

    “We talk with [Atleti president Enrique] Cerezo about many topics. We have a good relationship with them.”

    That relationship, it seems, is deteriorating pretty rapidly.

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