Atletico Madrid return is the first choice for Griezmann

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are finding it difficult to reach an agreement regarding the rumoured swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez switching clubs. 

The possibility of the swap deal actually going through is getting lower every day. Barcelona are clear on their demands, they want Saul along with €15 million in cash. They also don’t want to pay Griezmann’s wages while he plays at Atleti, like they did for Luis Suarez last season. 

Atletico, on the other hand, are calm and patient regarding the situation since they know that Griezmann wants to return to the club. He has not fared well during his time with the Catalonian club, and Barcelona now want to offload his wages from their books due to their dire financial situation right now. 

Griezmann has not received any communication from Barcelona regarding the situation, and according to reports coming from Spain, he is calm ahead of returning to training for the 21/22 season. Should Barcelona concede to the situation and want to let go of Griezmann, his first choice will be to return to the Wanda Metropolitano since he is keen on working with Diego Simeone again. 

Saul, on the other hand, has informed Atletico that he wants to leave. The Rojiblancos have also signed his replacement, Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese. With numerous Premier League clubs willing to bid for him, he could make the switch to England if the deal with Barcelona falls through.