Barcelona target Antoine Griezmann ‘urged to stay at Atletico Madrid’ by France boss Didier Deschamps
French striker has been heavily tipped to make Nou Camp switch — but has yet to make final decision on where future lies
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has been urged by Didier Deschamps to reject any Barcelona approach this summer, according to reports in France.
The Atletico Madrid striker is the Nou Camp giants' No 1 target this in this transfer window — but knows he is an idol among the Rojiblancos fans.
Barcelona are understood to have a deal in place with the Spanish capital side, having met the his buy-out clause, with the decision now lying solely with the player.
Griezmann had insisted he wanted his future sorted before the World Cup, and report France boss Deschamps has suggested he stay at Atletico.
The Rojiblancos striker scored twice in the recent Europa League final success, showing just how integral he remains to Diego Simeone.
Atletico would be prepared to make him one of the five highest earners on the planet with a salary offer superior to that on the table at Barcelona.
Most Read in football
Last summer, Griezmann came close to leaving for Manchester United, but he opted to stay as Fifa upheld a transfer ban on the Spanish giants.
He then signed a contract extension with the club, which temporarily saw his £88million buy-out clause doubled.
BUFF-GONE Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon closing in on two-year deal with Ligue 1 giants PSG… despite being 40-years-old
It will return to the normal rate from July 1, but Barcelona are understood to have agreed to pay Atletico £100m to get the deal sorted before the World Cup.
Lionel Messi recently called Griezmann in a bid to convince him to make the switch to the Nou Camp.