Barcelona to trigger Griezmann's buyout clause

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Bengaluru, March 1: La Liga giants Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Antoine Griezmann at the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.

The Frenchman has been heavily tipped to make a move to the Camp Nou in the summer, with Atletico Madrid even reporting the La Liga leaders for tapping up their star forward.

Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho in January but to everyone's surprise, did not assign the Brazilian superstar the number seven shirt.

And reports claim that could be left for Griezmann, who TV3 report has come to an agreement to join the Blaugrana in the summer, and will pay his £86million buy-out clause.

Manchester United have also been interested in his signing but, after they brought in Alexis Sanchez, the Red Devils now appear to have ended their pursuit in the French forward.

Atletico Madrid's number 7 started the season poorly by his standards, with just two league goals in his first ten appearances.

However, since January, his form has improved dramatically, and with just seven points separating the Rojiblancos from Barcelona, the title race is still alive.

Griezmann's arrival at the Camp Nou would be a great addition to Barcelona and would bolster their attack to a great extent.

With Arthur also expected to join at the end of the season, though he will be sent back to Gremio until 2019, Denis Suarez is likely to be forced out as could Barcelona's number 2 Jasper Cillessen.

Atletico Madrid visit the Camp Nou this weekend in what will be a pivotal moment in the season and it will also give Barcelona the opportunity to meet with Griezmann's representatives.

Griezmann's arrival is likely to see Ousmane Dembele's gametime decreased to a great extent adding further woes to the Frenchman whose first season at the club has been plagued by injuries.