Ernesto Valverde confirms Barcelona have opened talks with Atletico over Griezmann switch

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has revealed that the La Liga champions have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over Antoine Griezmann deal - Griezmann has already informed Atletico chiefs he will be leaving this summer - The French forward has been Atletico Madrid's top scorer for the last five campaigns Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde has admitted that La Liga champions have commenced discussions with Atletico Madrid over a possible move for French forward Antoine Griezmann this summer. According to The Mirror, Griezmann has already told Atletico chiefs he will be heading for the exit doors this summer, with a reported release clause of about £105m set to kick in from July 1. Speaking after Barcelona’s 2-2 draw away to Eibar in the final game of La Lga on Sunday, Valverde hinted that talks with Atleti has commenced.

“It is true we have already made contact,” he said. “It is true that contacts are ongoing, but the season isn’t over yet. We have the Copa Del Rey final still to play. We have the chance of winning two titles and we must try to focus on this issue. “Afterwards we will have time for everything else – we won’t say anything new when we are talking about players from other teams. We will see (what happens). “He (Griezmann) is a great player. We’ve always said so,” Valverde submitted. Meanwhile, other top clubs that includes Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are no longer interested to move for the French star.