Barcelona Transfer News: Diego Simeone Talks Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said his club will do all it can to keep key players in the upcoming transfer window amid fresh talk Antoine Griezmann will join Barcelona in the summer.

Speaking to Radio Rincon, Blaugrana forward Luis Suarez talked up the prospect of the France international moving to the Camp Nou and said he "will be welcomed" (h/t Peter Rutzler of The Independent).

When asked about Griezmann's future in a press conference, Simeone simply responded with "Espanyol," whom Atletico meet in La Liga on Sunday.

"We're not thinking about individual situations," he added. "We're working in order to make sure the important players stay so they can help the club keep growing. All our decisions are for the best of the squad, of this team and this club."

Goal UK shared what the Atletico boss had to say in full:

Suarez's interview sparked fresh speculation about Griezmann's future, as the Uruguay international talked as if the deal to bring the Atleti forward to Barca was wrapped up.

"He's a player who brings a huge amount, he has a lot of years playing at the highest level, always fighting," Suarez said. "He rules up front for Atletico, and that is fundamental. He is not coming to take the place of anyone but with the ambition of winning important things."

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Barcelona have previously moved to distance themselves from reports Griezmann will arrive in the summer and put out a statement in January to dismiss suggestions that a deal is already done.

Still, with Griezmann coming into excellent form in the second half of the campaign, the rumours haven't abated. As Squawka Football noted, having scored a key away goal in first leg, the forward shone for his side against Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg:

Griezmann has been one of the most dangerous forwards in Spain for many years, and the prospect of him joining Barca is exciting.

At his best, the former Real Sociedad man is a delight to watch. Griezmann is adept at dropping into pockets of space behind the centre-forward and linking play, but he can also stretch defences with his speed and maintains his composure when given chances in front of goal.

That he's managed to be so prolific in a defensive team is testament to his talent. Barcelona blogger Lucas R. believes playing at the Camp Nou would make him even better:

For all the forward's positive development at Atletico, he has yet to win silverware with the club. He has the chance this term, as they meet Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League final on May 16.

However, Griezmann will be keen to challenge for and win trophies on a much more consistent basis, especially given, at 27, he's in the peak years of his career. It would appear Atletico are facing a big fight to keep him in the Spanish capital.