Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are in talks over a sensational return to Atletico for Antoine Griezmann, sources have confirmed to Goal.
The two sides are discussing a move that would see Griezmann depart Barcelona and sign for Atletico on loan with a mandatory purchase option.
Atletico have been exploring the move as they consider allowing Chelsea-linked Saul Niguez to depart the club.
The state of negotiations
As Tuesday's transfer deadline grows closer, Barca and Atletico are locked in talks over a complex potential deal for Griezmann.
The Liga champions are studying their finances to see if they can afford a move for Griezmann, who starred for the club for five seasons before moving to Barca in 2019.
Currently, no Atletico player is included in the talks as a potential makeweight, as the Madrid outfit eye a loan move that would include a mandatory purchase option.
The talks come just a day after Atletico rejected a loan bid from Barcelona for forward Joao Felix.
Saul future in limbo
Atletico are considering Griezmann as a possible option to take the place of Saul Niguez, who continues to be linked with a move to England.
Saul has been in the sights of Chelsea, though talks with the Blues appeared to stall earlier on Tuesday.
Atletico continued to demand £34 million ($47m) for the 26-year-old.
Griezmann's time at Barca
Griezmann recently surpassed the 100-game mark with Barca after joining from Atletico in the summer of 2019.
The France star has scored 35 goals in two seasons with the Blaugrana, though he hasn't quite hit the same heights he did during his starring run with the Rojiblancos.
Barcelona have managed just one trophy – the Copa del Rey last year – over Griezmann's first two seasons with the club.