Barcelona Director Guillermo Amor Comments on Antoine Griezmann Talks

Barcelona director Guillermo Amor has admitted the Catalan club could have made an approach for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann after reports emerged about club president Josep Maria Bartomeu meeting with the Frenchman's family.  

He did not confirm that talks had gone ahead but did say contact has been ongoing concerning the Atletico forward, per Movistar (via MailOnline's Tom Farmery):

"If Bartomeu met with Griezmann's family as the newspapers say, then there may well have been an approach. Though, I don't know anything for sure. 

"There is a good relationship, there can also be comfortable conversations. Rumours are inevitable in the football world. In Griezmann's case there are many people we talk to; it's our obligation to have contact with players."

There have been reports since the summer that Barcelona could be eager to sign Griezmann, 26.

Per L'Equipe (h/t Sky Sports), Atleti manager Diego Simeone said last week that the forward would be allowed to leave if that is what he wants.

In an admirable display of loyalty Griezmann pledged his future to Atletico back in June despite intense interest from Manchester United and said it would be a "dirty move" for him to leave during the club's transfer ban, per the Press Association (via the Guardian). 

However, Atleti will be able to register players again in the January transfer window, so Griezmann could decide it would now be acceptable for him to leave as the club could bring in a replacement.

Atleti already have a ready-made replacement in the form of Diego Costa, who re-signed for the club from Chelsea but has been forced to wait for his debut because of the club's transfer ban.

Griezmann struggled for form earlier this season but has looked nearly back to his best recently as he has netted four goals and provided two assists in his last five appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona have been impressive in 2017-18 so far but look to be a little short on squad depth as they aim to fight for trophies on multiple fronts.

France international Griezmann would be a fantastic addition to Ernesto Valverde's squad as he boasts terrific experience of playing at the highest level and is versatile enough to fit into a number of different systems.

Barca are unlikely to be the only club keen to sign him in the next few months, but they could well have got a jump on any potential rival suitors if Bartomeu has met with Griezmann's family already.