Barcelona have revealed the sensational reason why the club are "open to all offers" for Antoine Griezmann this summer.
The La Liga powerhouses are, to put it simply, in the grips of a financial crisis and are struggling to clear a number of players off the books - with Griezmann one of those names in particular.
Considering how Griezmann earns €350,000 (£300,000) per week at the Camp Nou, the 30-year-old will be one of the main players they are looking to offload this transfer window.
In such dire financial circumstances, the Catalan giants will be more than aware that it is almost impossible for them to keep the attacking midfielder, as well as club legend Lionel Messi.
Advert
In a recent interview with Spanish media, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted that moving Griezmann on, in order to reduce their mammoth wage bill, is a "priority" in the coming months.
"Griezmann is a player that has a market, with clubs interested, and we are building the squad searching for a financial equilibrium," Laporta said, as cited by Mundo Deportivo.
"But if the market moves, we are open to all offers because we are in a delicate moment where we have to balance financial fair play and because of that, we should speak with all the players so that it does not hurt them, or for the least time possible.
Advert
"We are making these balances and are open to all the options that the market can give us, but we don't want to harm the team competitively."
Griezmann, who featured for France at Euro 2020 this summer, is now back in training with Barca, and has since been linked with moves to Juventus and former club Atletico Madrid. But where will he be next season? Watch this space.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Barcelona, Transfers, Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann