Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will allow the club to rope in Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid only if Luis Suarez stays at the Nou Camp, according to reports.
Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in January with the French striker finding it difficult to find form under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
Earlier this summer, the Frenchman was on the brink of joining Manchester United but ultimately he opted to stay put at Atletico Madrid, but now is struggling to find form at the La Liga side having managed to score just three goals so far this season.
Recent reports have claimed that Barcelona could make an attempt to rope in Griezmann in order to build their attack around the Frenchman.
Suarez, who anchored the Barca attack for the last few seasons, is struggling in front of goal this time around and speculations suggest that the club bosses are interested in roping in Griezmann to solve their problems up front.
But Spanish website Don Balon claims Messi is ready to approve Griezmann’s arrival – but only on one condition.
The Argentine legend wants Suarez to remain at Barcelona despite his goal-scoring troubles this season.
Like Griezmann, Suarez has also managed to score just three goals this season.
Barcelona are performing well for the time being despite Suarez not being in his best form. They sit top of the La Liga table – 8 points ahead of arch rivals Real Madrid.
However, it is believed that Real Madrid will pounce back later this season and Barcelona bosses are well aware that they need someone to keep the scoreboard ticking consistently in order to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
According to Don Balon, Messi wants Suarez to stay at the club and it is known to all and sundry that the Uruguayan striker shares a close bond with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
And only if Barcelona grants his wish, then Griezmann could join the Catalan giants during the January transfer window.
Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Terry Gibson believes Ernesto Valverde is facing an uphill task to bring Suarez back to his best.
Gibson told the La Liga Weekly Podcast: “I am interested to see how Valverde handles the Suarez situation, looking at the bigger picture.
“If he was to bench him or take him off in every game I don’t think we will see the best version of Luis Suarez. It’s interesting to see how an experienced manager handles a massive superstar when he is out form.
“We expect him to get his form back at some stage, with his all-round play and scoring goals on a regular basis, and that enhances Barcelona more than Paco Alcacer can.”