Barcelona president Bartomeu confirms he’s chasing Neymar and Griezmann transfer moves

BARCELONA and Atletico Madrid held talks over the mega money transfer of Antoine Griezmann on Thursday, the Catalans club's president has confirmed.

Josep Maria Bartomeu asserted that negotiations are underway, while Neymar is also in his sights.

This summer has seen the La Liga champions step up their investment in star players with Frenkie de Jong arriving for £67million and Griezmann being targeted in an £108m deal

Barcelona's chief executive met his Atleti counterpart on Thursday to commence negotiations, according to Bartomeu.

He said: "Yesterday we had a meeting, Oscar Grau met with Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and we started enquiring about whether it would be possible for this deal to happen. I will not explain anything else.

"There's interest, that's why we got together. I was not at the meeting. I cannot explain anything else."

Griezmann is determined to leave Madrid ahead of the new campaign but did reject Barcelona 12 months ago, a factor the club don't believe to have any impact on their fresh approach.

Bartomeu continued: "This is not the first time that has happened, it happened with [Thierry] Henry and [David] Villa and then they came.

"I do not care at all. Circumstances change from one season to another."

Barcelona's move for Neymar is unfolding into a major transfer saga but the Blaugrana chief insisted "we never talk about players from other teams".

Nonetheless, he pointed to his understanding that the Brazilian wants out of Paris Saint-Germain.

"We know that Neymar wants to leave PSG, but PSG don't want Neymar to leave, so there is no story," he said.

"I know he wants to leave PSG because I've read it in the press.

In addition, he told Friday's press conference that Lionel Messi was not dictating Barca's transfer policy.

"Messi never asked for players, let's finish with that myth," Bartomeu noted. "The decision is always made by club bosses."

Speculation over Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele's futures continues to mount, with the pair reportedly on offer to PSG as part of the Neymar deal.

However, Bartomeu wants both men at the Camp Nou next season as they seek to finally produce their best form.

The president said: "The club made a bet on Coutinho and Dembele, and they are two fundamental players.

"We made a very important bet on them. I hope they come back [after the summer] with enthusiasm."