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Barcelona transfer news: Fresh twist as Antoine Griezmann makes final decision on move
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has decided to reject Barcelona’s advances and will remain at Atletico Madrid this summer.
That is the shock revelation coming out of Spain today.
Griezmann, 27, is wanted at Barcelona and the Nou Camp club have confirmed they will make a bid on July 1.
That is the date the France international’s release clause will drop to £87.5m (€100m) - a bargain for a top striker in the current transfer market.
Barcelona were believed to have fended off Manchester United and Real Madrid to stand at the front of the queue for Griezmann once his clause drops.
But in a shock twist, it appears as though the striker will not be heading to Catalonia.
According to Spanish newspaper ABC, Griezmann has told close friends he will be remaining in Madrid for next season.
The revelation comes almost a year since he flirted with a move to Manchester United, telling a French TV station his chances of heading to Old Trafford were “six out of 10”.
The twist is a major boost for Atletico, who will hope to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title next season.
However, it is a bitter blow for Barcelona’s top brass, who have been working on a deal for Griezmann since January, it has been claimed.
Asked about his future over the weekend, Griezmann told TF1: “My future? It’ll be determined before the World Cup.
“The most important thing is that I'm feeling happy.
"I feel fine, I have total confidence.
"We [France] must keep our feet on the ground and do everything possible to succeed at the World Cup."
Instead of joining Barca, he will sign a bumper new contract at Atletico that will see him become one of Europe’s highest-paid footballers.
The fresh terms will also dramatically raise Griezmann’s release clause to all-but confirm his long-term future at the Wanda Metropolitano.