Barcelona staying calm over Antoine Griezmann signing

Antoine Griezmann asked for patience in his recent comments to the media after France’s game against Andorra. The Blaugrana have not decided if they will execute their verbal agreement with the player and pay the 120m euros of his release clause, because there is no unanimity in the club offices, board and dressing room.

Miguel Angel Gil Marin’s comment about Griezmann playing at Barca next season seems to have advanced things but from Barcelona, as well as among the player’s people, it’s being interpreted as a way of trying to put pressure on to quicken the agreement.

Atletico want Joao Felix, who would cost 120m euros from Benfica, the same they will get for Griezmann. His agent Jorge Mendes has threatened Atletico to seal the deal quickly or he will take Joao elsewhere.

Gil Marin’s comments were an invitation to Barca, who have not made contact with Atletico.

Both Barca and Griezmann’s people have told SPORT that nothing has been signed,

Barca want Griezmann but the doubts at the club come primarily from the dressing room. SPORT never said Barca would not sign the Frenchman, but instead that the playing heavyweights were not keen on him coming.

With his clause set to drop to 120m on July 1, Griezmann has been on stand-by.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu has to decide which path to take. Sign Griezmann or listen to the players and leave the deal. It’s not easy.

In play is his position at the club and his relationship with the dressing room - and the consequences of signing a player not wanted in a season which will be decisive for the presidential elections. Bartomeu’s reign finishes in 2021.