Lionel Messi has reportedly called Antoine Griezmann to persuade him to join Barcelona
Argentine Messi has been in contact with the French ace over a transfer to the Nou Camp this summer – with Griezmann boasting an £88million release clause in his contract, according to AS.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “they are waiting for him with open arms in the Barca dressing room”.
However, Diego Simone’s side have offered a new five-year contract £17.5million-a-season, which is more than Barca are prepared to offer, in a bid to force him to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.
After moving to a new state-of-the-art stadium and last summer, and claiming their first trophy in four years with a Europa League triumph, Atletico believe they are a club on the up.
Furthermore, he has been reminded he is an idol among the Rojiblanco faithful, whereas at Barcelona, he would become just another player.
Atletico are, however, still working on potential replacements should they fail to convince him to stay.