By Dave Marshall
Reports in the Sun report that France striker, Antoine Griezmann has snubbed a move to Barcelona as he favours a move to Manchester United, though the 26-year-old’s wage demands is astonishing. With Barcelona completing the signing of Brazil superstar, Phillippe Coutinho over the weekend, there is no express need for the Blaugrana to sign Griezmann anymore, leaving United as favourites to sign the striker.
He was close to joining us last summer, but Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban meant he had to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano. United are reported to be interested in a £89m fee for the former Sociedad man, but his reported £400k-a-week deal could hinder any move.
With the arrival and form of Diego Costa, Atleti are more open to the possibility of selling Griezmann in the summer but will resist all overtures from us to sign him this winter. He has not hit the heights of previous seasons as speculation surrounding his future have affected his game but would represent excellent value for us at that price, given that the transfer market has served up interesting prices. United have tabled an initial £290k-a-week deal to the player, which is less than what he wants considerably.
An Old Trafford source spoke about the transfer speculation and said, “The goalposts have moved significantly since the first attempt to sign Griezmann. “The package offered last year which was agreed is now a lot less than what he wants next summer.
“It might be too much even for us to afford. The club is desperate to sign him but it is an awful lot of money. “His people are making different demands which the club might be reluctant to give in to.” he added.
Griezmann is a striker capable of playing anywhere across the front three. His preferred no 7 jersey is available, and would help our manager in the sense that Mourinho has complained about the lack of major signings to challenge Manchester City.
Griezmann is widely regarded as one of the best players in world football and is close friends with Paul Pogba, his international teammate.
