According to a report by Foot Mercato, Manchester City are interested to bid for Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann this summer. Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the Frenchman and looks to bring him this summer to solve the forward issue.
Barcelona paid a hefty amount of €120 million to sign Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in 2019. But the Frenchman failed to be the match-winner for the Catalans in the past two seasons. The €120 million is down to waste as Griezmann only scored 35 goals in 99 appearances. Following this unproductive run for the two seasons, Barcelona are looking to sell off the Frenchman this summer.
While a second reason is also there to justify Barcelona’s decision to load off Griezmann. The Catalans are in a big financial mess as they are drowning in a debt of almost €1 billion. To solve the financial issue, they need to load off the high-earning players and the unproductive ones this summer. And Griezmann is one of the names in the earning list that Barcelona needs to cut off to balance their books.
As Barcelona announced the availability of Griezmann this summer Liverpool and Juventus lined to sign the forward. However, till now neither of the two clubs have officially approached nor tabled an offer to sign the Frenchman. But as per the latest reports, Manchester City have been in contact with Griezmann’s agent.
Manchester City interested in signing Griezmann for next season
Manchester City had a good season last year as they lifted the Premier League title for the 5th time in their history. But they are still grieving about losing their first Champions League final Chelsea. However, Pep Guardiola has promised the fans that he will win the Champions League title next season.
But to make that dream come true the Cityzens need to first find a striker this summer. Manchester City let their club’s top scorer Sergio Aguero leave this summer after not renewing his contract. Following which they currently lack in the striking options with only Gabriel Jesus in the squad.
City have already been linked with a big move of Harry Kane this summer to solve the forward issue. But a €100 million offer seems to be not working for Tottenham Hotspur as they are not interested in letting the England striker leave. Following which Manchester City have turned their heads in the direction of Antonio Griezmann.
The Sky Blues have been keeping the Frenchman on their targeted list for a long time. While they also approached the Barcelona camp last season to sign Griezmann. But the Catalans were not ready to sell the forward after only signing him a year ago.
But now the situation has changed as Barcelona are desperate to find a buyer for Griezmann this summer. And Manchester City are first in the line to utilize this offer to solve their striking options. As per the latest reports, Guardiola has already called Griezmann to know his views about joining Manchester City. While it was also mentioned that Griezmann’s agent is in constant touch with the City camp for a possible move. So, let’s wait and see if Manchester City will be betting on the Barcelona flop star Griezmann this summer or not.
