Chelsea and Manchester City have both turned down the chance to sign Antoine Griezmann.
The Barcelona star was offered to both clubs, with representatives of the player in London for talks.
But Chelsea are looking for a centre-forward this summer and do not want to spend big money on a 30-year-old playmaker.
City also have other priorities having made their interest clear in England stars Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.
Barcelona are desperate to get Griezmann’s salary off their wage bill so they can afford to re-sign Lionel Messi.
The Argentina superstar has agreed a new contract but strict financial fair play rules in Spain mean Barca need to sell players before he can sign it.
Griezmann was interested in a move to the Premier League but his preference is understood to be a return to Atletico Madrid.
Barca signed him from Atletico in a £107m transfer two years ago and a swap deal with Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez is now being discussed.
Griezmann is one of Barcelona’s highest earners and his exit would allow the club to fund Messi’s salary.
Have Chelsea and Manchester City by snubbing a move for Antoine Griezmann? Let us know in the comments section.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is looking to revamp his squad this summer with his No.1 priority a marquee striker.
Erling Haaland is top of the club’s wishlist but widely expected to stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another season.
So the Blues are weighing up whether to move on to the other targets on their striker shortlist or wait for Haaland to become available.
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