The talks between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid regarding the swap between Antoine Griezmann and Saul have hit a roadblock. Some reports suggested the Blaugrana offered the French striker to Juventus in exchange for Paulo Dybala, but the deal is improbable.
Barcelona and the Bianconeri arranged a similar operation last involving Miralem Pjanic and Arthur. L’Equipe suggested the trade, but Mundo Deportivo and Fabrizio Romano shot it down. Griezmann has a much higher salary than La Joya. Plus, Juventus have every intention to keep their no.10, although only an extension would put the rumors to rest.
Le Petit Diable makes more than €20M per season including add-ons, while the Argentinian forward could reach €10M with the new deal. Only the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, or a mammoth pay cut, would create enough room in the balance sheets for such an addition.
Griezmann joined Barcelona two seasons ago for a €120M from Atletico Madrid. He has not fully lived up to expectations, and the Colchoneros are in talks to bring him back. However, the two sides do not see eye-to-eye on the evaluations of the two stars.
Instead, a different Barcelona player has better chances to move to Turin later in the summer. Miralem Pjanic is chomping at the bit to return and coach Massimiliano Allegri adores him, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. However, Juventus need to sell Aaron Ramsey first to be able to afford his wages. The Catalans do not want the Welshman, and there have been no offers for him thus far.