Antoine Griezmann is thought to leave Barcelona in the summer following reports that the Catalan giants are planning to sell the Frenchman, purportedly to fund the re-signing of Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. If true, the World Cup winner will be made available to Arsenal and Manchester United, both of which are looking to land the forward.
However, Griezmann's exit from Camp Nou will not necessarily mean he will be heading to the Premier League next. A scenario is now in the option for Barca in which the France international will be part of the deal to bring back Neymar to Spanish football.
According to Guillem Balague, described by Express as a well-known La Liga expert, Barcelona will likely offer Griezmann in a deal with PSG. The claim makes sense because the Parisians are expected to demand at least the same price that was paid when the Brazilian striker made the switch in 2017 to the tune of £198 million.
Hoping that the fee to buy back Neymar will be discounted significantly, Barcelona could offer a swap deal. If accepted by PSG, the club will acquire Griezmann for free and earnings can still be realized on the sale of the Brazilian superstar.
On Barca's part, the club will achieve two things - the offloading of the French star and the reunion with Neymar without parting ways with too much cash.
Balague said: "One thing that may happen in the two or three next windows is that there will be a swap of players ... They will value players and swap them ... That could one, Griezmann and Neymar in an exchange."
In case the proposal will get the green light from PSG, it will not be a welcome development for both Arsenal and the Red Devils. The two clubs will miss out on signing the 29-year-old star, who has been the subject of their scouting in the past.
United, however, can still make a serious bid on the Frenchman, said the report. That will happen by putting Paul Pogba on the market and it might be that Barcelona will be interested to take the midfielder in.
As for Griezmann's exact sentiments on the matter, Goal said the French star seems more inclined to remain where he is at the moment.
"Griezmann appears to be focused on playing for Barca for at least another season once Spanish football resumes from suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic," stated the report.
Reportedly, Griezmann is also looking forward to wearing the Barcelona jersey with the No. 7 printed on the back, which as assigned to him by Atletico.
