Antoinne Griezmann has reportedly told Manchester United that he will join them this summer if they make him the best paid player in the Premier League.
Griezmann is set to join Paolo Dybala as the biggest ‘available’ name in World Cup year, although Neymar’s transfer last year opened the floodgates to suggest money really can buy anyone at any time.
The French international striker was strongly linked with a move to United, the club he supports, last summer, but the move was put on hold after Atletico were hit by a transfer ban. Then, following Neymar’s move, the player was linked with a move to Barcelona. Atletico reacted strongly and threatened to report Barcelona to the authorities, making any potential negotiations very difficult indeed.
This opened the door for United to possibly return into the fold, while Barcelona’s huge signing of Philippe Coutinho has eaten into their budget (though ‘only’ £100m of that fee is said to be paid up front). It could well be a political ploy on the part of Griezmann or his management, a timely opportunity to remind everyone of the player’s market availability even though his form has been mixed this season, but United have been informed that he is still willing to join them if they pay him a salary which will make him the highest paid star in England.