Leagues around Europe are finishing up this month and attentions are already turning to the summer transfer window.
Thursday, May 16 is the opening day for the window and as expected the rumours are starting to intensify. Here’s the latest European round-up.
Griezmann clause triggered by Barcelona
We start with the news that Barcelona have triggered Antoine Griezmann’s release clause at Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The 28-year-old has already announced that he will be leaving the La Liga side and it’s believed that Barcelona are the favourites to land his signature.
Sky Sports state that Barcelona will pay £108m for the France international.
“It’s been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in the heart,” Griezmann said in a farewell message on Tuesday.
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Coutinho’s agent speaks out on Barcelona future
Philippe Coutinho’s agent has spoken out about the Brazilian’s future at Barcelona.
There has been a suggestion that Griezmann’s aforementioned potential arrival at the Camp Nou could lead to Coutinho becoming surplus to requirements but Giuliano Bertolucci has knocked back the rumours.
“It’s untrue that Griezmann is going to replace Philippe at Barcelona,” he told AS. “I don’t know why they are saying that.
“I don’t know about that and that’s why I don’t want to talk anymore, but it’s false.”
The truth about Lacazette to Barcelona rumours
Arsenal fans reacted angrily on Wednesday to the revelation that Alexandre Lacazette had appeared on the Barcelona website.
Mundo Deportivo state that Lacazette is indeed a target for Barcelona this summer but transfer switch rumours were fuelled when it was revealed he his own page on the club’s website.
However, it has now been explained that every opponent who plays against Barcelona get the same treatment and it’s not a hint that he could leave the Emirates for Spain.
Liverpool force Real to change reported Hazard plans
Real Madrid were reportedly planning to announce the signing Eden Hazard from Chelsea after the Champions League final on June 1 but Liverpool’s win over Barcelona in the semi-finals has changed that.
L’Equipe are reporting that Liverpool inadvertently forced Real to alter their plans and bring forward a potential decision and announcement of capturing Hazard.
Hazard appears to have played his last Premier League game for Chelsea but is set for a possible farewell in the Europa League final against Arsenal on Wednesday, May 29.
It’s not certain he will leave the Blues but reports around Europe insist that Real are close to agreeing a deal.
