- Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona not to sign Antoine Griezmann this summer
- The Argentine star wants the club to instead bring his teammate Saul Niguez to Camp Nou
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly warned Barcelona chiefs not to sign Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann at the end of the season.
Messi will prefer the Catalan giants to use the money to bring Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez to the Camp Nou. The 23-year-old also plays for Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona are said to be among the top clubs who are considering activating the £88m (€100m) release clause written into Griezmann's Atletico contract.
But according to the report by Don Balon, Lionel Messi is said to be aware of Barcelona's interest in the Frenchman and has told the club that they don't need Griezmann.
The report also stated that Lionel Messi sees Saul Niguez as the best midfielder in Europe, and wants Barcelona to sign him.
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Previously, NAIJ.com had reported how Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is said to be eager to convince Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann to join the Catalans next summer.
Spanish media Mundo Deportivo reported that the Barca boss has identified the Frenchman as a key target and is keen to add him to his attacking ranks.
Griezmann would provide another option to 30-year-old Luis Suarez in the central striker's role and also boasts the versatility to potentially play alongside Messi and the Uruguayan in a front three.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng