The future of Antoine Griezmann has been up in the air for some time. For the Frenchman, that uncertainty is becoming more and more of a burden. Every time he speaks to the press, the issue of his whereabouts next season is the first thing to come up. Understandably the situation is now consuming the drained 27-year-old. Man City are now looking to hijack Barcelona’s attempt to sign him, prompting the Frenchman to set his stall out.

“I want to travel to Russia without this concern,” he told the media on the 21st of Match. Insisting his future needs to be resolved by the time he gets on the plane to the World Cup. It is obvious that Griezmann is now willing to entertain suitors. The door has been left ajar for anyone wanting to sign Griezmann who can offer him that “peace of mind” he craves.

Barca were thought to be the favourites to secure his signature. The Spanish giants are the front runners and also Griezmann's preferred destination. That may have changed a bit after his rallying cry in the media this week. Griezmann wants Barca to act and come and get him. Whether it could be interpreted as leverage to get a move to the Camp Nou, it is hard to say.

The Frenchman has played down his ambitions to win the Ballon d'Or this week, saying he is more interested in team success than individual accolades. Speaking further, Griezmann said that if he wins a Champions League or World Cup, then a Ballon d'Or will follow. Atletico Madrid’s hopes of keeping him would have been hit after hearing that. They may be the favourites at 11/8 to win the Europa League but that is not what Griezmann is after.

Barcelona are the favourites to win the Champions League at 5/2 and that is why Griezmann is keen on a move. Being involved in a setup like that will guarantee the Frenchman wins trophies. The La Liga title is nailed on for the Catalans this year, and the closest challengers are Griezmann’s Atletico. It’s not hard to see how much the Frenchman is attracted to the lure of Barcelona's success.

France are among the favourites to win the World Cup. That is primarily why Griezmann doesn't want distractions during the build up. He will want to focus purely on winning the World Cup. Punters looking to back third-favourites France can find the best World Cup free bets for 2018, with Betway offering a £30 free bet that would make backing Les Bleus a risk-free gamble. Griezmann will be hoping for a repeat of the 1998 World Cup for France.

The question remains, who will answer his call before the World Cup?

All the signs indicate Barcelona will come in for him but City may rival them. The financial pulling power of City can’t be ignored. In a day and age where players want big contracts as well as trophies, City are perfectly positioned to give him both.

From a purely footballing perspective, Griezmann would be happier at Barcelona. He would complement the Catalans' style and inspire their push for titles. There’s nothing ambiguous about what Griezmann wants and it may be a case of first come, first served.