Antoine Griezmann is edging ever closer to becoming a Barcelona player.

The French striker has been on the clubs radar for a number of years, but it seems that Blaugrana will finally get their man this summer.

It has been reported in the past few days that Griezmann has agreed a five year deal at the club. 

Although the deal has not yet been concluded, Lionel Messi has just been one of many Barcelona players that have expressed their feelings about the transfer.

"Obviously, I like Griezmann," Messi told RAC 1 radio, per ESPN. "He is one of the best players at the moment.

"There is a lot of talk about it, but I don't know if he is coming or not. We are used to the best players coming here, and Griezmann is one of the best."

BARCELONA NEED TO SELL

But it is believed that Barcelona need to sell in order to facilitate the transfer.

And AS are reporting that five players know that they will need to pack their bags in the coming weeks.

Paco Alcacer and Aleix Vidal know that Ernesto Valverde 'does not count on them' and are trying to find a suitable club to move to

Rafinha and Munir have 'long since vacated the dressing room', while Andres Gomes has asked to leave.

It is hoped that the sales of those five players will generate €100 million in which will then be used to fund the signing of Griezmann.

None of those listed above will be missed at Barcelona, but them being sold remains crucial to getting Griezmann's signing over the line.

JORDI ALBA ALSO WELCOMES GRIEZMANN

Jordi Alba is the latest player to say that he would welcome Griezmann if he joined the club.

"It's something which depends on the club and the player, but when I had the chance I took the decision to play for the best club in the world, to return to where I am from," Alba said.

"It was when I was happy at Valencia and it hurt to leave because things were going well and I felt loved by the fans.

"Maybe he has the same feeling, although I haven't spoke with him. Any player that wants to progress and be able to improve would be well off at Barcelona.

"He's a player that links play and scores goals. It would be a great signing, but it's something which depends on him and the club."