Chelsea and Man Utd transfer blow with Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez set for Barcelona-Atletico Madrid swap deal

BARCELONA and Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks to swap Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez, according to reports.

The Catalan side are desperate to reduce their astronomical wage bill this summer.

They have reportedly agreed for Lionel Messi to halve his salary and stay at the club.

But that alone isn't enough.

Junior Firpo has been sold to Leeds United, with Carles Alena, Jean-Clair Todibo, Matheus Fernandes and Juan Miranda also departing.

And the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic have also been made available.

Another high-earner they'd like to shift is £345,000-a-week star Griezmann.

The Frenchman, 30, arrived for over £100million in a protracted deal from Atletico back in 2019.

But he has failed to hit the heights at Barcelona, and following Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay's arrivals, plus the return from injury of Ansu Fati, is set to see his game time slashed.

Manchester City are interested in the forward as a potential Harry Kane alternative.

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He could instead return to Atletico, however.

Boss Diego Simeone is still fond of the long-haired ace, who starred for Atleti between 2014 and 2019.

According to , Barcelona and Atletico are now in advanced talks, although the former want money included as well as Saul.

The midfielder played with Griezmann at Atleti, but wants a new challenge.