Atletico Madrid ‘to make Antoine Griezmann one of top five earners in football’ to stop him joining Barcelona
Frenchman showed prowess with two goals in Europa League final — but has been heavily linked with move to Nou Camp
ATLETICO MADRID are ready to make Antoine Griezmann one of the top five best-paid players in the world, according to reports in Spain.
The Frenchman, 27, has a £176million buy-out clause on his current contract, which is due to halve from July 1.
And recent rumours in Spain suggest Barcelona have struck a £100m deal with the club in order to complete the transfer before the start of the World Cup on June 14.
However, report Atletico are still hopeful of retaining their star striker, and have put forward a list of promises.
And one of the proposals is to offer him a new deal, which would make him one of the five highest earners in the game.
The article adds that Barcelona would not be able to match that salary, meaning any decision to leave would not be about money.
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After moving to a new state-of-the-art stadium and last summer, and claiming their first trophy in four years with a Europa League triumph, Atletico believe they are a club on the up.
Griezmann has been assured no one will be sold, despite strong rumours in-demand goalkeeper Jan Oblak could leave.
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1995 When Gianluigi Buffon made debut he faced George Weah and Roberto Baggio, Blackburn were champions of England and Dennis Bergkamp was British record transfer
Furthermore, he has been reminded he is an idol among the Rojiblanco faithful, whereas, at Barcelona, he would become just another player.
Atletico are, however, still working on potential replacements should they fail to convince him to stay.