Reports: Manchester City set to beat Barcelona to the signing of €100 million-rated striker

What's the story?

If the folks at Diario Gol are to be believed then FC Barcelona are set to be in for a rude awakening. It is reported that Manchester City have now been tipped as the favourites to land Atletico Madrid talisman Antoine Griezmann.

The tabloid suggests that Harry Kane is City's top priority at the moment but will target Griezmann if a move for the Englishman falls through. This may put Barcelona's summer plans in jeopardy as the arrival of the Frenchman to Camp Nou was already considered by many as a done deal.

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The Catalans have courted the Atletico forward for a long time and had made an approach in January. But the tapping up led Atletico Madrid report the incident to UEFA which forced Barcelona to issue a statement withdrawing their interest.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has been linked with a striker since the past summer. His relationship with Sergio Aguero is not suggested to be at it's best which is why the Argentine is reportedly on the verge of being offloaded in the summer.

The heart of the matter

According to Diario Gol, Sergio Aguero is set to play a huge role in the Antoine Griezmann transfer saga. City are reportedly ready to offer Aguero in exchange for Griezmann who has a €100 million release clause. Guardiola values Aguero for around €50 million and hopes that offering a readymade replacement for Griezmann will work in their favour.

Atletico Madrid are also said to be ready to re-sign Aguero and will be keen on taking the once crowd favourite back on board. But it all depends on Griezmann now who has a tough choice to make. Guardiola's City or Messi's Barcelona.

Rumour probability: 7/10

The Sergio Aguero factor may tilt this one in City's favour with Atletico Madrid also preferring to sell Griezmann to a foreign club than to their direct rivals.

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A perfect Pep Guardiola player.

Author's take

The ball is in Antoine Griezmann's court at the moment with the Frenchman having two equally tempting offers on his table. But Manchester City's financial power over the Catalans and the pull of playing under the master tactician Pep Guardiola may well make Griezmann decide against moving to FC Barcelona.