Barcelona Rumors: Quique Setien Considering Lille Striker As Replacement For Antoine Griezmann

Barcelona may have found their exchange subject for want-away forward Antoine Griezmann. Amidst the controversy surrounding the French footballer’s alleged grudge-bearing state inside Camp Nou, the Catalans’ quest for a replacement has reportedly commenced as they are said to express their interest to vie for Lille striker Victor Osimhen.

According to Aaditya Sibal of Everything Barca, the acquisition of Osimhen is aimed to fill the spot of Griezmann, who could be out of the Spanish club in the summer transfer window.

But apart from it, the plan is also treated as an “alternative” in place of Barcelona's bid for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who has been the club's top transfer target.

“Quique Setien could try to sign the Nigerian international as an alternative to Lautaro Martinez, who the Catalan giants haven’t been able to sign as the club has a limited transfer budget due to the outbreak of the coronavirus,” Sibal wrote.

“Signing Osimhen over the summer will remove pressure from the attackers in the Camp Nou as well as give the budding striker a better chance to grow and develop into a world-class player as he would attain the opportunity to play alongside superstars such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.”

However, it would not be an easy road for the Blaugrana in their chase for Osimhen. According to James Westwood of Goal, the 21-year-old has been on the radar of several other clubs such as Napoli, Juventus, Liverpool, and Tottenham, with the Blues being labeled as the favorites to sign him.

“The Nigerian frontman's performances have not gone unnoticed among Europe's elite clubs, with the likes of Juventus, Napoli, Liverpool, and Tottenham among those taking an interest in his services in recent months,” Westwood wrote.

“Napoli are reportedly leading the race for Osimhen's signature, with the Lille star's agent confirming he has already been in contact with the Italian giants over a potential move.”

Meanwhile, Griezmann, whose estimated value is about $109 million, is being linked to a transfer to Arsenal. The 29-year-old signed with Barcelona in July 2019 after the Catalans afforded his $136 million buy-out clause from Atletico Madrid. His stay at Camp Nou, however, has been marred by a series of dissensions, which has stalled his progress in making an impact for the Spanish giants.

Should Barca entertain Griezmann’s targeted transfer to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners are predicted to offer Matteo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in return.