Barcelona set to reach a loan + €50m purchase option deal with Atletico for Griezmann

As we enter the last few hours of the summer transfer window, there could be time for a few more big deals to go through. Barcelona could be a hub of activity in this final phase of the deadline day, with Rey Manaj, Miralem Pjanic, and possibly Antoine Griezmann could be on his way out.

The news of the latter’s potential exit comes as a surprise after it seemed set that he would be staying at Camp Nou following Lionel Messi’s exit. However, a late return to former club Atletico Madrid is gaining weight with every passing minute on the deadline day.

A swap-deal involving Griezmann and Joao Felix was mooted, although the possibility of the latter leaving the club has been dismissed by Fabrizio Romano. Nonetheless, that does not mean that the Frenchman could be on his way back to the Wanda Metropolitano.

As per Cope, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are in negotiations over a late agreement for the 30-year-old French forward. It is claimed that the Catalans are demanding a sum of €50 million for the World Cup winner, but a loan move is looking more likely right now with an option to purchase.

Griezmann has already ‘given his OK’ to return to Atletico and, at this point, is just waiting for the clubs to arrive at an agreement. The 30-year-old is keen on rejoining forces with Diego Simeone and has been impressed by the project in place at Atleti.

With not long left before the transfer window shuts till January, it will be interesting to see if Griezmann does end up sealing a sensational return to Atletico Madrid.