'AS': Griezmann already told Simeone that he's going to Barca

The Spanish newspaper claims that Antoine Griezmann met with his manager Diego Simeone in December, confessing to him that he had decided to make the move to Barcelona in summer.

According to 'AS', this was a gesture that was appreciated by Simeone. The warning gave the club time to begin the search for a replacement, and it meant they weren't caught off guard. That being said, replacing Griezmann is no easy task, and the club would obviously prefer if he stayed.

During their conversation, the Frenchman apparently promised Simeone that he would give his best for the rest of the season to try and achieve all of the club's objectives, and hopefully bring home a trophy. The forward has been true to his word, and has showed no dip in form in the second half of the season. 

The manager communicated Griezmann's decision to the club captains who, one by one, have come out in defence of their teammate. 

The Frenchman wants his future sorted before the World Cup. Therefore, the Griezmann saga is expected to be resolved in the next month. Everything points to him making the switch to Barcelona, but nothing is certain until the signing is official.