Transfer Rumors: After Failing Once To Sign This World Cup Winner, Manchester United Could Get Their Man This Summer

Manchester United reportedly could sign Antoine Griezmann during this summer transfer window after having failed to do so a few years back.

Griezmann, who won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, could have moved to Old Trafford before he finally moved from Wanda Metropolitano to Barcelona.

The current FC Barcelona forward, Griezmann recently revealed that during his stint with Atletico Madrid, Man Utd almost signed him but the forward refused to go ahead with the deal as he was happy to be playing for the La Liga club.

“It almost happened once but I was very happy where I was. I’ve had a lot of fun in La Liga and we have something the Premier League doesn’t – the sun,” Griezmann said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer earlier had said that the Red Devils are a few signings away from once again becoming contenders for the Premier League and Griezmann would fit well in his plans. Last season after they let Romelu Lukaku leave the club for Inter Milan, they failed to bring his replacement and that cost them leading into the 2019-20 season. Marcus Rashford tried to fill in Lukaku's void but he got injured and has still not returned to training.

According to new reports, it won't be easy for Man Utd to sign Griezamann as the star forward has other big clubs such as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal chasing him.

Barca, who signed Griezmann after they met his Atletico exit clause of $128 million, are understood to not be happy with the Frenchman’s services and moreover, the Nou Camp side are looking to get rid of a few players in order to reduce their financial crisis, which has escalated due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to Sport, apart from Griezmann, Barca are also aiming to let go of the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele. The Catalans have not won the UEFA Champions League since their victory in 2015 and their skipper Lionel Messi has made it clear that they cannot return to being the dominant force once again with the current side.

Barcelona have been targeting two players – Neymar and Lautaro Martinez – who they believe could help them win their sixth Champions League. However, these two moves combined could cost Barca at least $321 million. Last season, Barcelona tried to re-sign Neymar but were called off with PSG's high-valued transfer fee for the Brazilian striker.

On the other hand, Martinez also has a striking exit clause of $119m in his contract at Inter Milan, who will do everything to keep the Argentinean in their side. Barca are keener on the 22-year-old because their skipper Messi has shown keen interest in playing alongside his compatriot, whom he rates quite highly.