Barcelona squad already anticipate Griezmann's arrival

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2018 by Marca.com

The Barcelona squad expect to have a new star in their midst next season in the form of Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.

Although the current season is not yet concluded, plans are already turning towards the summer transfer market.

As MARCA pointed out on Monday, there are many factors which would suggest that the Frenchman is in line for a move to the Camp Nou.

From the recognition of contact with his agent from the Blaugrana hierarchy to the meetings the club have even held with his sister, and the revealing comments made by Luis Suarez in an interview on Uruguayan radio.

That is an example of the kind of warm welcome he would likely receive at the Catalan club. Suarez and Samuel Umtiti have already openly admitted that he would be well received by the players.

The former has heard glowing reports from teammates and those who know Griezmann well, while his compatriot spent last summer in the United States of America with him, as well as Alexandre Lacazette.

It is now being taken for granted inside the dressing room that the former Real Sociedad man will be a part of their group next season, with the squad's heavyweights content that this is the case.

Griezmann is considered a signing who will reinforce the league champion's already strong squad and will make them even more competitive.

Those who have suffered against him as an opponent in the past know that it is better to have him on their side and, given his extensive LaLiga experience, it shouldn't be difficult for him to adapt.

At the moment, discretion is the order of the day, with nobody keen to speak much or say anything which could jeopardise the deal, leave any of the parties involved looking bad or distract Griezmann, who still has a big Europa League commitment with Atletico.

When Ernesto Valverde was asked about the deal in his recent press conference, he simply stated that he wanted to 'be careful' and not say much about it.

That was also because he didn't want to disrespect his current group of players, who are now set to be joined by another big talent.